LOC23:20
20:20 GMT
WASHINGTON, Dec 6 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announced Wednesday that the State Department will "immediately" begin the process to implement President Donald Trump's decision by starting the preparations to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Tillerson said in a statement that the safety of Americans is the State Department's "highest priority, and in concert with other federal agencies, we've implemented robust security plans to protect the safety of Americans in affected regions."
He affirmed that Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital "aligns US presence with the reality that Jerusalem is home to Israel's legislature, Supreme Court, President's office, and Prime Minister's office."
"We have consulted with many friends, partners, and allies in advance of the President making his decision. We firmly believe there is an opportunity for a lasting peace," he remarked.
He noted that Trump "decided today, as Congress first urged in the Jerusalem Embassy Act in 1995, and has reaffirmed regularly since, to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel." (pick up previous)
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