Brussels, 14/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 13 March, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle arrived in Tunis. On the first day of his 48-hour visit, Füle had a meeting with the minister for foreign affairs, Mongi Hamdi, and, according to an official Tunisian press release, reassured him of the “EU's support for the democratic transition process in Tunisia through its political backing but also through providing financial backing in the form of donations and loans”. The same note of support was affirmed on 12 March by Catherine Ashton's Special Envoy for the Mediterranean Region, Bernardino Leon, who also met the minister for foreign affairs. According to another press release, Leon emphasised “the EU's wish to support Tunisia in this crucial phase of its transition process, not only economically and financially but also with regard to ensuring that the next elections are carried out appropriately”.
According to the same source, during the course of these two meetings, Hamdi underlined “the three priorities of the new government - reducing the budget deficit, developing disadvantaged regions and national security”. He also informed Füle and Leon that Tunisia was “counting on support from its traditional partners, including the EU, to raise funds and provide the technical assistance needed”.
Füle was then granted a meeting with the president of the Tunisian Parliament (NCA), Mustapha Ben Jaafar. The commissioner reiterated “the EU's commitment to provide its expertise for the election and participate in it as an observer”. Tunisia is expected to hold elections before the end of the year if the timetable is respected.
A “memorandum of understanding” was signed at the beginning of March by the EU and Tunisia to provide “technical assistance” in the organisation of free, democratic and transparent presidential, general and council elections. The goals are to “enhance the institutional and operational capacity of ISIE” (the body responsible for organising elections) and strengthen the HAICA (the high authority responsible for ensuring that the public media guarantees a neutral stance). A Euro-Tunisian “follow-up committee” has also been set up.
On Friday, the Tunisian minister for foreign affairs also met Pier-Antonio Panzeri, the Italian Socialist MEP and leader of the European Parliament's delegation for cooperation with the Maghreb. According to official sources, they assessed possible future perspectives in Euro-Tunisian relations. (FB)