Tunisia looking for ties with Israel

[Behind the Aegis]

Tunisia is interested in establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, according to Tunisia's only Jewish legislator, though he defended his government's decision to close Israel's liaison office in 2000.

"There is really a wish to open relations," Senator Joseph Bismuth told The Jerusalem Post while in Jerusalem Wednesday, but he noted that the "when and how" remains a question, and is linked to the general relationship between Israel and the Arab world. He did say, though, that, "There are many signals that the situation will improve very soon."

During the Oslo process, Tunisia established low-level relations with Israel by opening an office here. Israel reciprocated by opening a representation office in Tunisia. A reopening of relations should be on the embassy level, he said, adding: "They should not give it another try as a office. It doesn't make sense."

But Bismuth supported the government's closure of the Israeli office in Tunis at the beginning of the second intifada.

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