News

EU expects new Tunisian authorities to match words with deeds

03-02-2011

The EU expects the new Tunisian government to act with deeds as well as words, emphasising the importance of the rule of law, while pledging its full support to the country’s democratic transition.

 
Speaking after a meeting in Brussels with Tunisian Foreign Minister Ahmed Ouneies, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said she was impressed with the amount of work that had been achieved in such a short time.
 
Thanking Mr Ouneies for choosing Brussels for his first visit, she said: “The people of Tunisia and of Egypt have both voiced legitimate grievances and aspirations, and they expect a response, from their own countries, but also responses from partners like the European Union.”
 
Stressing how much the EU valued its relationship with Tunisia, the High Representative added: “I have reiterated… our full support for the democratic transition, and emphasised to you that of course we look now for this government to act with deeds as well as words. And you and I this afternoon have emphasised the importance of the rule of law, the building of institutions, and the importance of this moment to move forward.”
 
“For our part,” Catherine Ashton said, “we were able to discuss some of the concrete proposals, ways in which we can support you in the short term, but also build that support for the long term – electoral support, the transition in democracy, support to civil society and NGOs to fight corruption, and to develop economically and socially.”
 
The EU, she added, was ready to consider more and to work as closely as it could can “to see this change come about, and to see you able to fulfil what you want to do”. (ENPI Info Centre)
 
Catherine Ashton statement
 
ENPI Info Centre – Tunisia: EU will see through advanced status talks with new democratic government
 
EU External Action – Tunisia
 
ENPI Info Centre webpage – Tunisia
 
 

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