Brussels, 14/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - The EU is getting ready to step up and intensify its commitment with the recently elected Tunisian authorities and civil society in the implementation of reforms “for a fairer society based on inclusive and sustainable economic growth”, the Foreign Affairs Council of Monday 14 November stressed. The ministers reiterated the EU's commitment to launching negotiations on a deep and comprehensive free-trade agreement (DCFTA), “aiming to improve market access opportunities”, in the context of the reforms undertaken by Tunisia, “with a view to achieving progressive economic integration into the single market of the EU”. In their conclusions, they confirmed the EU's commitment to resuming and completing negotiations for the first action plan on the reinforcement of relations between the EU and Tunisia, by means of a renewed partnership. The Council reaffirmed the Union's willingness to put its support into place quickly, “in line with Tunisia's needs and its progress in implementing its programme of reforms”.
The EU is “determined” to work with the new government, stressed the ministers, who congratulated the Tunisian people and candidates for the elections of 23 October, the country's first ever free elections. (CG/transl.fl)