Strasbourg, 19/06/2000 (Agence Europe) - Last week, the European Parliament adopted, in conclusion of a debate, a resolution on the political situation in Tunisia and on its relations with the EU. This debate took place further to a series of questions at the Council and the European Commission raised by all political groups. The resolution is a joint text presented by the main formations (EPP-ED, PES, ELDR, GUE and Greens). Two amendments presented by the Greens, aimed practically at placing Tunisia "in observation" under the authority of the Council and the Commission were rejected by very large majorities (163 to 78, and 166 to 54).
As adopted, the resolution largely recalls the principles of the Euro-Mediterranean declaration of Barcelona and the article of the association agreement which refers to human rights and democratic principles but also to the provisions of the Tunisian constitution and to the "declaration of 7 November 1987", which constitutes the political charter whereby the Tunisian governors of the post-Bourguiba era pledged to build up democracy in their country. The European Parliament expresses its concern regarding the slowness noted in carrying out commitments taken by Tunisia towards the EU with the conclusion of the association agreement. MEPs state they are "aware that the movement of economic reforms adopted in Tunisia was amplified recently, mainly concerning the liberalisation and the privatisation of certain economic sectors and that these must be accompanied by substantial movement of political reform". They invite the Tunisian government to strengthen its efforts for political opening and "encourage it to carry out the actions necessary aimed at strengthening the role of the civil society" in the country, mainly women's associations, while noting the country has a "secular tradition which means that Tunisia has a specific code for women that is the most advanced in the region". The European Commission is called upon to "collaborate in the implementation of training programmes" in fields linked to democratic practices. It is also invited, at the same time as the Council, to present a report on Tunisia. The resolution also deals with the EU's duties in terms of support to Tunisia, the first country to be involved in the new Mediterranean association policy and in the creation of a free trade area with the EU and which, as such, this year began the trickiest phase in dismantling the protection of its market against competition from European products. The Council and the Commission are invited to "work along the lines of improving management, simplification and acceleration of procedures" for the MEDA financial programme.
Debate between extremists and moderates
During the debate, some political groups (GUE, ELDR, TDI, Greens) drew up a very gloomy picture of Tunisia from the human rights points of view, but opinions expressed by MEPs from the large groups (EPP, PES, ELDR) appeared more contrasted and more open, without, however, denying the problem that is posed, according to all speakers, by the democratic weakness of Tunisian policy which is not at the same level as its economic performances. Among the most violently critical, Ms Boujenah (GUE) called for suspension of the EU/Tunisia agreement and also denounced the negative impact on Tunisia and its social fabric: "the partnership proposed by the EU, essentially based on free trade, could emphasise the negative impact on the population". She calls for the "Mediterranean policy to be reviewed in the light of the economic and social consequences on the economy and employment in Tunisia". Just as vehement, Ms Flautre (Greens, ALE), Messrs Van den Bos (ELDR), Dupuis (TDI) and Krivine (GUE/NGL shared her opinion in favour of an urgent session of the EU-Tunisia Association Council for implementation of its Article 2 regarding human rights obligations.
Mr Hernandez-Mollar also pointed a finger at the democratic shortcomings in Tunisia which, he assured, is recognised by the Tunisian authorities themselves. He insisted, however, on the virtues of frank dialogue rather than condemnation and called on Tunisia to take concrete measures to fill the gap between economic boom and public liberties gloom. Ms Napoletano (PES) said there should be no interference in the internal affairs of Tunisia but stated in all frankness what causes concern for its European partners. Mr Obiols, who expressed concern about the "Tunisian paradox" - economic success and democratic deficit - said "the problem is not that of human rights but that of the future of this country". He called for the right words to be found to set it on the right track.
Ms Napoletano placed the Tunisian case in the context of the overall Euro-Mediterranean dialogue which calls less for brandishing the threat of sanctions than for encouraging developments, above all through support to the civil society. She also, like Mr Raimon Obiols (PES), directly questioned the Commission, and especially Mr Patten, on what she sees as lagging interest in the Mediterranean region. "We must demonstrate that the Euro-Mediterranean policy is a priority for the EU and that it will not be based on the objective of conquering new markets or using low-cost manpower at all costs."
Seixas da Costa and Patten reject traumatising solutions and promise improvements
Responding on behalf of the Council, Mr Seixas da Costa said the Member States were aware of the situation in Tunisia, while pointing out that there has been "considerable progress", since Tunisia now agrees to hold dialogue with the EU on subjects related to the country's internal situation. He deems inadvisable requests for freezing of the agreement, which would only make a splash in the media with no consequences on political developments on the ground. He added that it "would not be correct not to recognise recent decisions" in favour of the opposition taken in Tunisia. He then marked the will to steer MEDA towards the promotion of democracy. Commissioner Patten also marked his preference for dialogue and "positive measures" for the promotion of democracy and freedom. The Commissioner said he was thinking about better ways of implementing the Mediterranean policy, adding that, in his view, "free trade is not an end in itself, but a means" and reiterating his criticisms of financial co-operation in the Mediterranean, which he deems ineffective. He made a personal undertaking to improve MEDA's rate of fund use by the end of his term of office (2005 at the latest), "otherwise, I promise to make a donation to the charity of your choice".