Mauritanian president sends messages to Algerian, Tunisian presidents

Mauritania Prime Minister Cheik Afia Ould Mohamed Khouna left Nouakchott yesterday heading for Algeria in a visit that was not formally said in the Mauritania capital.

Mauritania sources said Khouna will deliver during this visit a message to Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika that includes an explanation of the Mauritanian elevation of diplomatic representation with Israel to the ambassadors level.

The sources said the Mauritanian prime minister will head from Algeria to Tunisia to deliver a similar message to Tunisian President Zein al-Abidin Ben Ali.