Russia announces opening of consular offices in West Jerusalem

Russia’s embassy in Israel will open offices in West Jerusalem to serve its consular section as part of an agreement with the city, according to the embassy and Israel’s foreign ministry.

Russia’s embassy in Israel will open offices in West Jerusalem to serve its consular section as part of an agreement with the city, according to the embassy and Israel’s foreign ministry.

The Russian embassy in Israel said in a statement that a deal over a West Jerusalem land plot, which Russia bought in 1885, was signed with the municipality on May 18, following a years-long process.

As part of the agreement, the property will be used to construct buildings to be used by the consular section of the embassy, the statement said.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen welcomed the agreement, which the ministry said was a diplomatic achievement in line with its efforts to increase the number of foreign missions in Jerusalem.

Russia planned to build the complex within five to 10 years, said Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov, who added that the deal “takes into account the interests of both our states”.

The status of Jerusalem – home to sites holy to Christians, Jews and Muslims – is one the biggest obstacles to reaching a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.