Cancellation by the Tunisian authorities of the "International Conference on Employment and the Right to Work in the Euro-Mediterranean Area"

Council of the European Union
Brussels, 18 October 2006
14092/06 (Presse 293)

The Tunisian Chargé d'Affaires in Brussels refused to receive the following demarche:

"The EU regrets the cancellation at a very short notice by the Tunisian authorities of the "International Conference on Employment and the Right to Work in the Euro‑Mediterranean Area" which was to have taken place in Tunis on 8-9 September.

The EU appreciates its relations with Tunisia, an important Mediterranean partner over many years, with an excellent record on many issues. However, the EU is disappointed at a series of negative signals which have been given by Tunisia in the area of human rights and governance over the last few years. The Tunisian authorities are no doubt aware that these incidents have a significant impact on the international image of Tunisia.

The EU very much hopes to be able to enhance and further develop our longstanding partnership in the framework of the Barcelona Process and the European Neighbourhood Policy. In this regard, we would welcome an early meeting of the Association Committee and of the “Human Rights and democracy” Subcommittee.

In order to address the concerns expressed by the European Parliament and civil society, and to be transparent, this demarche will be made public by a press release."