The Tunisian authority announced later on Saturday the postponement of an Arab League (AL) summit which had originated schedued for Monday and Tuesday.

The government expressed regret about the delay, saying the decision was made by Arab foreign ministers in the evening because of big divisions over Arab reform and modernization as well as the escalation of violence on the Palestinian territories.

Tunisian Foreign Minister al-Habib Ben Yehia will give an official statement later at night, local TV reported.

A communique released by Ben Yehia obtained by Xinhua said " Saturday's discussion of the documents has demonstrated the existence of differences of views regarding certain amendments and proposals presented by the Tunisian side concerning a number of issues it considers substantial and of great importance as to the process of development, modernization and reform in our Arab countries."

Tunisia reiterates its attachment to continued consultation with its Arab brothers so as to narrow the differences between points of views regarding those issues of substance, it said.

It is also aimed at preparing the ground for the success of the summit as part of its sustained effort to promote joint Arab actions and advance the crucial causes of the Arab nation, added the communique.