Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Ashton wijst Tunesië op mensenrechten, democratie en vrijheid (en)

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 2 October 2012 A

Statement by the High Representative Catherine Ashton i

following her meeting with Hamadi Jebali, Tunisian Prime Minister

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission issued the following statement today:

"Today I was pleased to meet for the second time in Brussels the Tunisian Head of Government, Mr. Hamadi Jebali. I told him that we are privileged to work with people who have overcome dictatorship, embraced democracy and are endeavouring to bring economic and political stability to their peoples' lives. Tunisia still faces a number of challenges and will shortly take important decisions concerning its future, such as the adoption of the new Constitution and national elections in 2013. The success of the democratic transition is closely linked to a stronger economy.

We addressed the importance of consolidating deep democracy, freedom and human rights, in particular women's rights. I confirmed to Mr Jebali that the EU i will continue to support Tunisia and its people in every possible way. I hope to return soon to Tunisia to ensure that we continue to deliver on the commitments made in the Task Force of September 2011. "