TUNISIA: SENIOR BEN ALI ADVISOR ON MIDDLE EAST

C O N F I D E N T I A L TUNIS 000761

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/13/2019
TAGS: PREL MEPP TS
SUBJECT: TUNISIA: SENIOR BEN ALI ADVISOR ON MIDDLE EAST
PEACE PROCESS

REF: TUNIS 732

Classified by Ambassador Gordon Gray for reasons 1.4 (b) and
(d).


1. (C) During an October 8 introductory call, the Ambassador
pressed Minister of State Abdelaziz Ben Dhia, a senior
advisor and gatekeeper to President Ben Ali, for a more
active Tunisian role in advancing the Middle East peace
process. Ben Dhia stressed the Tunisian Government's
committment to a diplomatic solution: "Both sides must make
a strong effort." At the same time, Ben Dhia conceded that
the GOT had doubts about Israel's good faith: "They keep
saying no," adding that he believed this perception of
Israeli intransigence was undermining Palestinian confidence
in the entire process. Ben Dhia asserted that Tunisia did
press the Palestinian authority to take constructive steps,
but offered no specifics.


2. (C) The Ambassador told Ben Dhia that Washington believed
countries like Tunisia had a very important role to play in
helping to create an environment conducive to progress on the
main track. Specifically, the U.S. would like to see Tunisia
reestablish a diplomatic presence in Tel Aviv and allow
Israel to reestablish a presence in Tunis. Ben Dhia
reaffirmed that Tunisia believed the process was currently
stuck at an impasse. If there was real progress (read
"concessions" from the Israeli side),President Ben Ali would
consider reestablishing some level of diplomatic ties with
Israel.


3. (C) Comment: As discussed reftel, we believe Tunisia is
willing and able to take a more active supporting role in the
peace process, but it will not take the lead in doing so. It
will instead seek diplomatic cover, most probably by taking
steps in concert with other moderate Arab states. End
comment.


GRAY