Secret contacts between Israel and Algeria

The former Israeli ambassador in Paris, Obadieh Sofier, has said in a statement to the Israeli radio on Monday that secret talks were held between Israel and Algeria between 1986-1988.

Sofier said these talks were held in Paris between then-Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and one aide for former Algerian President Chazli Bin Jedid who futilely tried to convince the Israelis to meet with representatives of the PLO in order to establish peace in the Middle East.

The Israeli ambassador added that talks were suspended following the Israeli elections in 1988, after which Peres left the Foreign Ministry following the defeat of the Labor Party and Likud's assuming power in Israel.