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TunisiaTunisian President to MEPs: “Islam is not incompatible with democracy”
December 1, 2016
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Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi, visited today the European Parliament in Brussels, where he was welcomed by Parliament President Martin Schulz. They discussed developments in Tunisia and EU-Tunisia relations. Essebsi called the visit a “historic and highly symbolic moment” and addressed MEPs on his country’s commitment to democracy and freedom.
“Tunisia is determined to prove that Islam is not incompatible with democracy,” said Essebsi, who became president in late 2014 after winning the country’s first free elections.
This year is the 40th anniversary of the first cooperation agreement between Tunisia and the EU, Essebsi told MEPS during today’s plenary session in Brussels: “Tunisia and Europe destiny have been closely linked. We have had harmonious links and these are the links to build a strong relationship on.”
The President warned MEPs that Tunisia was “a target for the terrorists” and a democratic experiment that was still vulnerable. “More than ever we need the support of European partners,” he said.
Schulz praised Tunisia’s transformation into a democracy: “Your country is a beacon of pluralism and tolerance today. The constitution guarantees the rule of law, individual freedoms and equality for all at a crucial time when populists are actively trying to spread fear.”
Read more
Relations between the EU and Tunisia – Factsheet
EU Delegation to Tunisia – website and Facebook page
Photo: © European Union, 2016
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