President Bush delays transfer of US embassy in Israel/Presidential determination – USDOS press release/Non-UN document (excerpts)

Bush Delays Transfer of Israel Embassy Another Six Months

Presidential determination based on "national security interests"

President Bush has suspended the transfer of the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem for an additional six months in order to protect “the national security interests of the United States,” according to a June 15 memorandum to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Within the provisions of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, in which Congress called for the United States to move its embassy, the president is authorized to make a semiannual determination about the transfer based on national security considerations.

Following is the text of the presidential determination:

(begin text)

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
June 15, 2005

Presidential Determination
No. 2005-24

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

SUBJECT: Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act

Pursuant to the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 7(a) of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-45) (the "Act"), I hereby determine that it is necessary to protect the national security interests of the United States to suspend for a period of 6 months the limitations set forth in sections 3(b) and 7(b) of the Act.  My Administration remains committed to beginning the process of moving our Embassy to Jerusalem.

You are hereby authorized and directed to transmit this determination to the Congress, accompanied by a report in accordance with section 7(a) of the Act, and to publish the determination in the Federal Register.

This suspension shall take effect after transmission of this determination and report to the Congress.

GEORGE W. BUSH