Brussels, 13/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European commissioner in charge of the neighbourhood policy, Stefan Füle, will visit Tunis on 14 and 15 March, where he intends to reaffirm European support for the political transition in the country, his press service has announced. His schedule includes discussions with acting President,Moncef Marzouki and with the leaders of the main political parties, including the Islamist party and the central trade union body UGTT, which plays a pivotal role in Tunisian politics. Meetings with civil society have also been announced.
Sources in Brussels point out that this the commissioner's fourth trip to Tunis since the democratic revolution in January 2011 will provide the opportunity for further discussions of economic cooperation pledged to a level of development which may reach “advanced status”.
A political declaration adopted in November of last year at a session of the Association Council shows joint determination to work to build upon the relationship and to schedule cooperation in the framework of an “action plan” which will chart the obligations of both sides. Its contents remain to be negotiated. The procedure is, however, conditional and calls upon the Tunisians to make progress towards democratic freedoms and structural reforms.
The context is a delicate one. As well as instability in terms of security, highlighted, amongst other things, by the assassination of leading politician Chokri Belaïd, the situation in the country has seen considerable economic difficulties against a backdrop of complete political flux. There have been major delays in drafting the fundamental law, even though this a priority task of the National Constituent Assembly elected in October 2011, theoretically for a period of one year, and the date for general elections is being constantly put back.
The government of Hamadi Jebali (Islamist) recently stood down, recognising the “failure”of its team. His own Minister for the Interior, who is seen as one of those mainly responsible for this failure, has nonetheless been tasked with forming a new government, which passed its first test on Wednesday, winning the backing of MPs. It must now win over the Tunisian people, who have had enough of insecurity and high costs of living, which continue to get higher. Yet another young Tunisian man committed suicide by self-immolation on Monday. His death was announced on Wednesday morning. (FB/transl.fl)