VZCZCXRO3279
PP RUEHROV
DE RUEHTU #0205 0401350
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 091350Z FEB 07
FM AMEMBASSY TUNIS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2694
INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY

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