Russia to open embassy branch in Jerusalem as part of land deal with Israel

Russia will open an office in Jerusalem that will serve as a branch of its embassy to the country and will provide consular services, while settling a land dispute at the same time, the two countries said Friday.

The land on which the new complex will be built was acquired by the Russian Empire in 1885 but has long been the subject of dispute between Moscow and the Jerusalem Municipality over its exact area, taxes and other bureaucratic matters.

The plot currently hosts a parking lot, and the municipality had for some time sought to expropriate some of the area for the purposes of a new light rail line that will be built on King George Street. (Read More)