Tunisian dismissal

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33434, 16 January 1974, Page 13

Tunisian dismissal

(N .Z .P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) PARIS, January 15. The dismissed Tunisian Foreign Minister, Mr Mohammed Masmoudi, is quoted in an interview published in Paris as having said that he did not understand the surprise among other Arab countries at the proposed (merger between Tunisia and Libya — a union which he is reported to have pushed through. Mr Masmoudi told the Paris evening newspaper, - “Le Monde” that Algeria had also sought union with Tunisia in recent months. “The political situation created by the October war is enough to explain it,” he is quoted as saying. “In an interval of a few months, Algeria and Libya have in turn solicited union with Tunisia—that, in itself, is an important political fact.”

Mr Masmoudi’s interview was given before the announcement that he had been replaced as Foreign Minister by Mr Habib Al-Chatti.

He said that the Islamic Arab Republic, the new State agreed to last Saturday, would be headed by President Bourguiba of Tunisia, with the Libyan leader, Colonel

i Muammar Gadaffi, as his Vice-President. “Libya and Tunisia want to create a model union, marked by co-operation and tolerance, which would be attractive to other Arab nations,” Mr Masmoudi is quoted as saying. “When a revolutionary regime allies itself with wisdom and moderation, this produces a fruitful complement, a workable union.” Asked about the news from Tunis that a referendum on the merger originally announced for next Friday was likely to be postponed, Mr Masmoudi said that it might be put off for technical reasons. “We have several alternative dates, several anniversaries of historic events,” he said. Morocco has joined Algeria in criticising the proposed merger. The Algerian Revolutionary Council and its Cabinet met in Algiers yesterday, under President Bourne-

dienne. I* Rabat, King Hussan presided over a Cabinet session.

A communique later issued in Algiers described the merger decision as “a hasty and artificial attempt.” Morocco’s communique said: “Without formally rejecting an invitation to join Libya and Tunisia, both Algeria and Morocco have made it clear that they will have nothing to do with the project.”

i The Ministerial reshuffle in Tunis is regarded as a clear ; indication that Mr Masmoudi, ■ who is reported to have had close links with Colonel Gadaffi, went too far on the merger proposal, taking too much upon himself. Political ; observers note that the Prime Minister (Mr Nouira), who is 11 said to have had several differences of opinion with the (Foreign Minister, had a long (meeting with President Bour'guiba just before Mr MasJmoudi’s dismissal was I announced.