Brussels, 07/11/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 7 November in Brussels, Tunisia and the EU resumed their negotiations for the conclusion of an “action plan”. They hope to sign the joint document on 19 November during a session of the Association Council in Brussels. This date was announced in Tunis, where the prospect of an agreement on a long-term commitment from Tunisia has provoked a certain amount of criticism. This criticism does not focus on the general nature of the agreement, but rather on the ability of the current government, led by the Islamic Ennahdha party, to conclude this agreement in the uncertain political and security situation.
The contents of the “action plan” are not yet known but it is believed that they will not conclude the negotiations, which have currently stalled, on the question of the liberalisation of the services sector. On the question of trade, talks will continue for the conclusion of a “comprehensive agreement”. Meetings have been arranged for the beginning of 2013, according to information provided by a senior official at the Tunisian department of trade. (FB/transl.fl)