PM calls European MPs to help Tunisia recover its assets in Europe

Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali called on Tuesday in Brussels, the European deputies to support Tunisia's efforts to recover its assets in Europe. Speaking to members of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Commission, he also exhorted the European countries to convert the Tunisian debts into development projects in underprivileged regions. He reviewed in this regard, the challenges Tunisia is faced with in this transition phase, citing in this regard, the democratic transition's success, the fair distribution of riches, fight against unemployment and improvement of health services. "We do not want a theocratic State but a democratic regime in service of citizens, that ensures equality for all, regardless of origin or religion, including gender equality," Mr. Jebali assured, in answer to a question on Tunisia's laic nature. Tunisia is willing to become a democratic and federative State with a Constitution that protects women's rights, he added, specifying that "even the most extremist elements do not wish to reduce these rights." In response to a question on the security measures taken by Tunisia to avoid repetition of the attack against U.S. embassy and school in Tunisia, Mr. Jebali answered that "lessons were learned and all Tunisians are unified to reject this behaviour." He regretted in this regard, that the attacks had "overshadowed the efforts" aimed to create "an open and modern society that believed in dialogue and not in violent oppression." On the forthcoming elections, the Head of Government asserted that "there should be no reluctance or hesitation to invite observers to these elections," calling the European Parliament to start formation of its delegation. "The Parliament will spare no effort to favour economic, social and political transition in Tunisia," MPs affirmed. They pointed out in this regard, the pressures they are exercising on their government so that the stolen Tunisian assets would be returned, claiming in return, "further co-operation and transparency on the part of the Tunisian government." In another connection, Mr. Jebali had talks with European Parliament Speaker Martin Schulz. According to the latter, the meeting had been an occasion to exchange views on means to. "foster" the Euro-Tunisian and on the requirements of economic development. At the end of his visit in Brussels, Mr. Jebali conferred with European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton.