Diplomatic row flares between Israel, New Zealand

By: 10 years ago

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key AFP FILE PHOTO

WELLINGTON — A diplomatic row has flared between Israel and New Zealand after officials from the South Pacific nation said their new ambassador was rejected by Israel because he’s also an envoy to the Palestinian Authority.

New Zealand officials say their ambassadors in Turkey have been responsible for covering several areas of the Middle East since 2008. But they say Israel has refused to accept their latest appointment to the post, Jonathan Curr, who was due to travel to Israel in the coming days to present his papers.

Israel’s embassy in Wellington said in a statement Monday that the matter is a “protocol principle” applicable to all ambassadors to Israel.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said he was trying to gather more information on the issue.