Tunisian PM meets Palestinian official

Tunisian Interim Prime Minister Ali Larayedh met Saturday visiting Palestinian National Authority General Delegate for International Relations Nabil Shaath on bilateral relations and the latest Palestinian issue. Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Shaath said they had discussed Tunisian-Palestinian relations and issues pertaining to the Palestinian cause, notably national reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas and means to strengthen Palestinian unity. He hailed the meeting as "cordial," reminding that Tunisia had always been a safe haven for the Palestinian cause and its leadership. He added that reconciliation and unity constitute an essential stage in the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State, he said, noting that the Palestinian leadership is firmly committed to working for the sake of Palestinian unity in a democratic context. The Palestinian official is here to attend the World Social Forum, held between March 26-30, as well as the march due on Saturday to mark the 37th anniversary of Land Day. Meanwhile, thousands of people from all walks of life staged a mass march today in central Tunis to commemorate the Land Day as a sign of solidarity with the Palestinian people. The marchers heading to the Palestinian embassy in Tunis hoisted slogans supporting Palestine and its people, and called for liberating all occupied Palestinian territories. Shaath addressed the march by appreciating support from all those who stand beside the defenseless Palestinian people. The march is part of the World Social Forum, held in Tunisia on March 26-30.