Brussels, 16/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini concluded her one-day visit to Tunis on Friday 13 February. While there, she delivered comforting words to a country that has been feeling a little abandoned.
Since its revolution in 2011, Tunisia has been subject to deep economic and social upheaval, and to a growing threat on the security level. It has also had the feeling of not receiving the support it desires. In order to remove this impression, Mogherini wanted to visit the country quickly after the institutional stabilisation acquired at the end of 2014 (the election of the president of the republic and of the parliament, and the formation of a government) so as to reaffirm the EU's full support. Tunisia's example “can inspire and also raise the hope of more freedom and democracy”. The EU has therefore reportedly “decided to support the Tunisians in continuing their objectives: consolidating the democratic acquis, ensuring security while respecting fundamental freedoms, and undertaking the necessary socio-economic reforms to make Tunisia a more prosperous and a more just country”, Mogherini stated.
Hosted by the country's highest political authorities, a press release stated that Mogherini also confirmed to them, “the continuing considerable financial commitment of the EU, for the progress made and the challenges to address, and in support of sectoral strategies that will be defined by the Tunisian authorities”. She took the opportunity of her visit to reiterate the European Commission's interest in starting, or resuming, the negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement covering services, and on an agreement on the free movement of people (conditional visas). A joint meeting will apparently be held in March to put all the currently suspended issues back on the negotiating table.
One of the points awaited as a follow up to Mogherini's visit is security, which is mainly taken from the angle of fallout from the civil war in neighbouring Libya. In her words at a press conference reported by local Tunisian media, Mogherini noted “an understanding” on Libya, including support to the dialogue sought by the UN representative. More specifically, as far as Tunisia is concerned “we discussed certain measures and actions to take together on the security level, like exchanging information and good practice, and also on the cultural level”. (Fathi B'Chir)