Brussels, 29/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - The EU delegation in Tunis is being very innovative in terms of communication on Tunis-Brussels relations, in particular with regard to granting Tunisia “advanced status”, similar to that of Morocco. While decisions of this kind have hitherto been cloaked in discretion, extending sometimes to a total press blackout, this time, with the Delegation's launch of a quasi-referendum, the question has been asked of all Tunisian citizens, whether individuals or members of an association, on the delegation's web page and on a Facebook page.
“Talks between the EU and Tunisia have begun to strengthen long-term bilateral relations leading to an enhanced partnership ('advanced status') and a new EU-Tunisia Action Plan 2011-2016, based on the existing Association Agreement. Against this background, the EU Delegation to Tunisia is launching broad consultation of the Tunisian public by means of this electronic questionnaire”, and anonymity is guaranteed. The Delegation “is seeking your views on prospect of such an enhanced partnership and the new Action Plan and invites you to answer the questions”. The site gives no indication of what the outcome of this survey which is beginning to look like a highly unusual referendum - usually it is for the government of a partner country to inform and consult its people - will be or whether the Commission will, depending on responses, continue with negotiations or cut them short. (F.B./.transl.rt)