Tunisia links normalization with Israel to progress in Mideast peace process

Tunisian Foreign Minister Habib Ben Yahia said in Cairo on Monday his country believes that normalization between Israel and Arab states should be linked to the achievement of tangible progress in the Middle East peace process.

The Tunisian official, who was speaking at a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart, Amr Moussa, following the conclusion of meetings of the follow-up and political consultation committee, said his country did not rush to establish normal relations with Israel and is consulting with Arab sides, foremost Palestine.

For his part, Moussa criticized the Israeli reactions to the resolutions adopted by the Arab foreign ministers council which was held in Beirut this week.

"We should not forget that the Arab unanimity during Beirut's meeting came as a reaction of Israel's repeated aggressions against Lebanon and its infrastructure which is an unacceptable matter especially amidst efforts to resume the negotiations on all peace tracks," he added.

Moussa denied press reports over Egyptian-Syrian disputes, saying it was a fabricated story.

The Egyptian and Tunisian foreign ministers discussed a wide-range of Arab and international issues.