MFA STATEMENT ON AL AQSA EXCAVATIONS

UNCLAS TUNIS 000205

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/MAG - HOPKINS, HARRIS AND NEA/IPA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KPAL TS
SUBJECT: MFA STATEMENT ON AL AQSA EXCAVATIONS


1. (SBU) In keeping with Tunisia's moderate position on
Israeli-Palestinian issues, on February 8 the MFA issued a
statement, announced by the Tunisia Africa Press Agency
(TAP),expressing its "concern" about Israeli excavations
around the al-Aqsa Mosque.


2. (U) STATEMENT TEXT (OFFICIAL TAP TRANSLATION):

Begin Text:

Tunis, Feb. 8 (TAP) - The foreign ministry, on Thursday, made
public the following communique:

"Tunisia is following with deep concern the excavations and
demolition works carried out by Israel near the holy mosque
of Al Aqsa, which works are aimed at distorting the
architecture of this sacred historical monument and harming
its Islamic identity.

Tunisia considers that these works represent a provocation to
the feelings of the Islamic nation and are likely to further
stir up tension in the region and undermine the international
and regional efforts aimed at reviving the peace process.

While reiterating its constant position of support to the
Palestinian cause and expressing its conviction of the
peoples' rights to preserve and glorify their sacred
religious symbols, Tunisia condemns these repeated violations
and urges the international community to exert pressure on
the Israeli government so that it would put an immediate end
to the excavation and demolition works carried out near the
holy Al Quds."

End Text.
GODEC