Brussels, 11/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - A multi-party group of MEPs, members of the European Parliament (EP) delegation for relations with the Maghreb countries, took stock of where the democratic transition stands, needs in terms of cooperation with the EU and use of cooperation and assistance funds. The delegation hoped that the National Constituent Assembly (NCA) would be able to complete its task within the timeframe set and that the future constitution will guarantee balance of powers, civil liberties and individual rights and general interest, thereby gaining the broadest possible consensus within the Tunisian population. It also called for the creation of a constitutional court to guarantee all the recommended rights.
The delegation, led by Italian Socialist MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri, met members of the NCA and the government. Panzeri restated European readiness to support Tunisia - support which his interlocutors generally consider to be purely theoretical and bound by too many conditions. An EP press release said the Parliament would like a more flexible and proactive neighbourhood instrument, but stressed the need for a clear commitment from its partners, especially on the issue of good governance. (FB/transl.rt)