The European Socialists and Democrats warmly welcomed the adoption of a resolution on EU relations with Tunisia today in the European Parliament. The resolution underlines the need to support the new democracy in this country and the negotiations for a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) between the EU and Tunisia.
S&D MEP and vice-president for foreign affairs Victor Boştinaru said:
“We fully support the report and resolution adopted on Tunisia today. The post-revolution example of Tunisia is a successful one. We are right in demanding reforms, but we need to understand their socio-economic challenges and give this country and its new unity government all the necessary support and tools, including to fight terrorism. The stability and the security of Tunisia are paramount for the stability and security of the wider region and are fundamental for Europe.
“Some of Ben Ali’s assets – which belong to the Tunisian people – are still being held in several EU member states. From time to time we talk about them, but nothing is done to return them to Tunisia. I call on the Commission once again and on the member states to take all the necessary action to return these assets to their legitimate owner.”
S&D MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri, chair of the European Parliament's Maghreb delegation and shadow rapporteur said:
“Tunisia represents hope for the Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa. The resolution approved today suggests possible ways and objectives we should strive for to support the democratic transition and stabilisation in Tunisia and in the wider region. It is our hope that the new government and the European Union will be able to see this opportunity.
“In the forthcoming weeks, the S&D Group will be in Tunisia for the Global Progressive Forum meeting* and the mission of the Maghreb delegation, which I chair. This will be an opportunity to deliver this strong message of support from the European Parliament. Furthermore, the ‘Tunisia week’ event that will be held in November in the European Parliament will also be the opportunity to work together with the authorities and citizens of Tunisia because we have shared interests in building a modern and democratic Tunisia.”
* Note to editors:
Created in 2003 by the PES and the S&D Group, the Global Progressive Forum aims to connect progressive leaders, left-wing experts and social movements. Its priorities are democracy and human rights, social justice, sustainable growth and social progress.
