SEVEN BRITISH DIPLOMATS TO REMAIN IN CONSULATE BUILDING

JERUSALEM, OCTOBER 8 /SRNA/ - Israel said today that the British Consulate in East Jerusalem had ceased operations, but that seven diplomats would be allowed to remain there in a limited capacity.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the building was owned by the British authorities and that a team of seven diplomats would be allowed to continue working from the premises, which, he said, no longer functioned as a consulate as of today.

Saar added that the scope of the remaining diplomats' activities would be limited and that the two countries had agreed to continue their dialogue.

Israel ordered the consulate closed in September in response to sanctions imposed by London on residents of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Saar said the decision to reduce the British presence followed talks with the British authorities aimed at avoiding an escalation of tensions between the two countries.

"As announced, the British Consulate in Jerusalem has ended its role. Around 20 diplomats, including the consul, are ending their assignments and leaving Israel," Saar said, according to AFP.

Britain has pledged to continue providing essential services in Jerusalem, saying the consulate building would remain open.

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said in a statement that the British mission in Jerusalem remained independent and operational and would continue providing services and working with the Palestinian people.

He stressed that Britain did not accept that the Israeli Government had the authority to close the consulate.