Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Australia Recognizes West Jerusalem as Israel's Capital

by Associated Press

   SYDNEY --

   Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Saturday that his
   government had decided to formally recognize west Jerusalem as Israel's
   capital, but wouldn't move its embassy until there's a peace
   settlement.

   He said Australia would recognize East Jerusalem as Palestine's capital
   only after a settlement had been reached on a two-state solution. The
   Australian Embassy won't be moved from Tel Aviv until such a time.

   While the embassy move was delayed, Morrison said the government would
   establish a defense and trade office in Jerusalem and would also start
   looking for an appropriate site for the embassy.

   He said in a speech: "The Australian government has decided that
   Australia now recognizes west Jerusalem, as the seat of the Knesset and
   many of the institutions of government, is the capital of Israel.''