Omani FM defends Mauritania's decision towards Israel

Omani Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Youssef Bin Alawi has defended the decision taken by Mauritania to establish diplomatic relations with Israel and considered Mauritania's decision in this regard as a matter of "sovereignty."

AFP quoted Bin Alawi as saying to reporters on Sunday in Muscat, "We believe it was a sovereign decision and that it was Mauritania's right to consider its own interest and its role within the Arab framework and that of the peace process."

The Omani minister, whose country is linked to trade relations with Israel, said that Mauritania decision was a "sovereign decision" despite the fact "it needed to have had prior consultations with the Arab League."

He said, "We think Mauritania will not abandon its responsibilities towards peace negotiations and the importance of the fact that Israel should implement what had been agreed upon." adding, "We expect Mauritania to support the peace process, the Palestinian position and the Palestinian people's demands and we hope that this issue will not be a cause for differences between the Arab countries."

Oman is the first Arab state to defend the Mauritanian position, which has been exposed to criticism from the Arab League and several Arab states.