Attack on embassy not to affect Israel-Mauritania ties

DAKAR - Israeli Ambassador to Mauritania Booz Bismuth said Friday that the attack by unidentified gunmen on Israel's embassy in Nouakchott will not affect friendly ties between the two nations, Mauritanian media reported.

    According to news reaching here, the attack occurred before dawn Friday, and five local residents were injured in the exchange of fire between the gunmen and the embassy guards, local police said.

    The attack will not prevent the two countries from further developing their relations of friendship and cooperation, Bismuth said.

    Mauritania established diplomatic relations with Israel on Oct.28, 1999, becoming one of the only three member nations of the Arab League to maintain diplomatic ties with the Jewish state.

    Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip since mid-January has led to growing demand among Mauritanians to sever the country's diplomatic ties with Israel.

News Agencies