Mauritania defends its relations with Israel

Mauritania rejected foreign and local criticism against its decision to establishg complete diplomatic relations with Israel. Minister of Communications and government spokesman Rachid Ould Saleh said in a press conference yesterday that, "The decision is based on a joint Arab strategy."

Moreover, Saleh said, "Mauritania aims at restoring the confidence in the Middle East," adding, "We aren't looking forwards to any advantage or bargaining our stances, which are based on the principles."

Earlier, hundreds of school students organized peaceful demonstrations in the capital, Nouachott against the agreement, which was signed in Washington on last Thursday.