31. Gingrich initially had planned to lay a symbolic cornerstone at the overgrown plot in southern Jerusalem to show his support for moving the embassy. 32. He also said the summit should call for a severing of diplomatic relations with countries that move their embassies to Jerusalem. 33. He conceded that in the past he questioned the wisdom of moving the embassy because he thought it could undermine the peace process. 34. However, she noted that other administration officials had recently spoken out against moving the embassy as damaging to the peace process. 35. In March, Powell told the House International Relations Committee that arrangements to move the embassy had not begun. 36. Israeli leaders have long wanted the U.S. embassy moved. 37. It is subject to approval by the Senate and President Bill Clinton, who opposes moving the embassy while peace talks are ongoing. 38. It might also open the way for other countries to move their embassies. 39. It is subject to approval by the Senate and U.S. President Bill Clinton, who opposes moving the embassy while peace talks are ongoing. 40. Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert, visiting the United States, said Thursday that several foreign diplomats in Israel had already made discreet inquiries about moving their embassies. |