Mustapha Ben Jaafer Emphasizes Tunisia’s Support for the Palestinian Case

Speaker of the Tunisian Constituent Assembly Mustapha Ben Jaafer (right) meeting with Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs Riadh Melki (left)

Mustapha Ben Jaafer, Speaker of Tunisian Constituent Assembly, met with the Palestinian Authority’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Riadh Melki yesterday, January 16, to reiterate Tunisia’s  support for the cause of the Palestinian people.

Ben Jaafer noted that achieving Palestinian unity – referring to the rift between Palestinian political representation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank – is essential before progress can be made in resolving the plight the Palestinian people face. He also affirmed that the members of the Constituent Assembly are ready to apply pressure on the international community to advance the stalled Palestinian-Israeli peace process.

The Foreign Minister’s visit was also an occasion to inform the Tunisian government about recent political and social developments in Palestine and to reinforce bilateral relations between the Tunisian government and the Palestinian people.

Nasser Jadallah, the press attache at the embassy of the Palestinian Authority in Tunisia, expressed optimism regarding the future of Palestinian-Tunisian relations. “The Palestinian Foreign Minister’s visit conveys the Palestinian Authority ‘s support for Tunisia. It is a promising step toward promoting improved bilateral relations,” Jadallah stated.

Jadallah also commented on his belief that Ismail Haninyeh ‘s recent visit was, “illegitimate,” and that it was discouraged by the Palestinian Authority. Nevertheless, Jadallah stated that, ” Palestine welcomes any attempts to to facilitate national reconciliation [between the divided Palestinian leadership in the West Bank and Gaza Strip].”