Verklaring van voorzitter Europees Economisch en Sociaal Comité over situatie in landen rond Middellandse Zee (en)

The EESC ready to support civil society dialogue for building stable democracies in the Mediterranean region countries

The EESC expresses its solidarity with the people of Tunisia, Egypt and other countries in the Mediterranean region who are peacefully struggling for their fundamental rights and freedoms, and supports their aim of establishing stable democracies.

The EESC condemns all violence against demonstrators and restrictions on the media and calls on the authorities to fully respect the Tunisian and Egyptian peoples' right to freedom of speech and peaceful demonstration.

At this important moment in history, the EESC calls for the involvement of all democratic forces in the transition process, including civil society representatives, and underlines the key role of participatory democracy. Economic and social partners and civil society organisations play a pivotal role in efforts to develop constructive and fruitful dialogue about the future of these countries.

The EESC will continue to assist and support social partners and civil society organisations in the region, and stands ready to provide any support that may be appropriate in order to facilitate capacity- building and the development of structured and representative civil society dialogue.

Read more about the EESC's work with the Euromed countries on the EESC website, or contact the EESC External Relations Section president, Mr Sandy Boyle.

For further details:

Internet: http://www.eesc.europa.eu/?i=portal.en.staffan-nilsson-speeches