Sarkozy to discuss Airbus sales in Tunisia-official

PARIS, April 23 (Reuters) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy will discuss the possible sale of Airbus (EAD.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) planes to Tunis Air when he meets his Tunisian counterpart on a visit to the North African state, a French official said on Wednesday.

Sarkozy is due to travel to Tunisia on Monday for a 3-day visit during which he will meet Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.

Talks were underway on the sale of planes, the official in Sarkozy's office said, without giving details on the number of aircraft or the value of the potential deal.

"The subject will be brought up during the meeting between the two heads of state," the official said.

The two countries should sign a framework agreement on civilian nuclear energy cooperation that could eventually lead to France selling Tunisia a power station, the official said.

The nuclear agreement, which provides for the training of engineers and the creation of laboratories, is similar to accords reached recently with Algeria, Morocco and Libya.

Talks were also underway on French heavy engineering firm Alstom (ALSO.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) providing equipment for a non-nuclear power station, the official said.

It was possible that the plane and equipment deals would be signed during Sarkozy's visit "if everything can be finalised by Monday night," the official added. (Reporting by Emmanuel Jarry; writing by Francois Murphy, editing by Richard Chang)