Representative of Israeli office returns from Tunis, not place to stay

The official in charge of the Israeli affairs office in Tunisia returned to Israel, and no alternative was appointed, which means that the Israeli office in Tunis was closed.

The Tunisian government requested in an interview of Tunisian Foreign Minister Saeed Bin Mustafa by the Syrian Arabic daily "Tishreen" that Israel close the office and withdraw its personnel. Several news reports said the Tunisian step, which has been not announced officially, falls in the course of Tunisia's efforts to implement the resolutions of the 1996 Arab summit conference in Cairo and the Organization of the Islamic Conference summit in Tehran.

In the same context, the BBC said the activities conducted by the Israeli office during its presence in Tunis were minimal, being limited to participation in official celebrations observed by foreign embassies in Tunis.

The Israeli representative, who tried to capitalize on his Tunisian origin, could not revive the activities of his office which has been boycotted by all Tunisian activities. The BBC added the Israeli official failed even to find a residence. Since he came into Tunis he had been a resident at the Hilton hotel.