28/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - Several organisations for the defence of human rights wrote to Romano Prodi, on the occasion of his visit to Tunisia (31 March and 1 April). They expressed concern about the exercise of free expression in this country, the situation of those defending human rights and conditions in prisons. These organisations - mainly the international federation of human rights' leagues and the Tunisian League of Human Rights - recall that the EU/Tunisia association agreement took effect in March 1998 comprises a clause on human rights (Art.2). In Tunis, Mr Prodi is to meet President Ben Ali, Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi, and several ministers. He will also receive an honorary doctorate from Tunis University.