Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 25, 1995 TAG: 9510250083
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
The legislation puts the United States squarely behind Israel's determination to maintain sovereignty over all of Jerusalem. President Clinton said it ``could hinder the peace process'' by setting a deadline for the embassy move.
The White House conceded, however, that there was enough support in Congress to override a veto and said Clinton would allow the measure to become law without his signature.
The bill permits the president to delay the embassy move by declaring it harmful to U.S. national security interests. Clinton said he would ``use the legislation's waiver authority to avoid damage to the peace process.''
Republican and Democratic presidents have opposed shifting the embassy to Jerusalem, the biblical city Israel calls its capital.
``It's not about the peace process; it's about recognizing Israel's capital,'' said Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, R-Kan., shortly before the measure was approved 93-5.
A few hours later, the House passed the bill 374-37.
Leading the outgunned opposition, Rep. Lee Hamilton, D-Ind., said the bill ``is being rushed through the Congress today for reasons of domestic politics, not foreign policy.'' He noted that the sponsors want to present it to Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin when he visits the Capitol today for a ceremony marking the 3,000th anniversary of King David's entry into Jerusalem.
Dole said ``Israel's capital is not on the table in the peace process, and moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem does nothing to prejudge the outcome of any future negotiations.''
The bill calls for moving the embassy by May 31, 1999.
Dole did agree to include the waiver provision allowing the president to delay the embassy move six months. The president would have to make similar findings to obtain additional six-month delays.
The White House had sought a waiver with no time limit.
Israel has considered Jerusalem its capital since 1950. But only two countries - El Salvador and Costa Rica - have their embassies there. All other countries, including the United States, have their embassies in Tel Aviv.
To ensure Congress' wishes are observed, the bill sets aside half of the State Department funds in 1999 for acquiring and maintaining buildings overseas until the secretary of state certifies the U.S. Embassy has opened in Jerusalem.
After regaining control of the entire city during the 1967 war, Israel vowed never to agree to a division of Jerusalem. Palestinians want control of East Jerusalem and to eventually make it the capital of a Palestinian state.
by CNB