Germany denies having facilitated Tunisian youths’ trip to Israel

Germany’s embassy in Tunisia has denied any involvement in the future trip of a group of Tunisian youths to Israel, a country the North Africa nation has been boycotting.

Rumors have circulated that Germany has facilitated the issuance of visas for young Tunisians to take part in an EU-sponsored program in Israel, including visits to key state establishments, Tunisie Numerique reports.

The Tunisians flew Sunday, October 27, to Brussels wherefrom they will later go to Israel to attend “Peace among world youth” conference, in Tel Aviv.

The German embassy in a statement has brushed aside the charges noting that it only issues Schengen visas for the 26 countries that compose the EU. It added that it was not even aware of this trip.

Tunisia like most Arab countries has refused to establish diplomatic relations with Israel over its occupation of Palestinian territories. Tunisian lawmakers this year have condemned all attempts to normalize ties with Tel Aviv.

Taking oath last week as Tunisia’s new President, Kais Saeid reiterated the North African country’s opposition to Israel and staunch support for Palestinians.