LOC15:33
12:33 GMT
(with photo)
BRUSSELS, June 25 (KUNA) -- The President of the European Commission, Jose
Manuel Barroso, met here Tuesday the interim Tunisian Prime Miniser, Ali
Larayedh, and discussed bilateral ties, Tunisia's democratic political
process, elections, economic development and security issues.
"Improving the climate between Tunisian political parties, among others in
the national dialogue is a fundamental step that should be continued and
strengthened with the approval of the new constitution and the holding of
future elections," Barroso told reporters after the meeting.
He said that the EU is ready to send an Election Observation Mission to
provide technical assistance and support to Tunisia.
Barroso announced that Tunisia will remain the primary beneficiary this
year of the EUs SPRING programme that is designed to support the progress
made by Arab Spring countries in democratic transition.
Tunisia will receive 40 million euro in addition to 400 million euro
committed in 2011-2013 under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership
Instrument, he said.
On his part, Ali Larayedh told reporters that "the EU is committed to the
success of the democratic transition in Tunisia, the holding of elections, the
approval of a new constitution, the consensus among Tunisians".
"I thanked the EU for its cooperation and assistance, whether financial,
technical, economic and security," he said.
"Tunisia has got the status of privileged partner of the EU. The
negotiations are ongoing focussed on trade, security, mobility of people
between the EU and Tunisia. These talks are progressing and will soon lead to
an agreement," he added.
The Tunisian Premier also met the President of the European Council Herman
Van Rompuy and will later today speak at the European Parliaments foreign
affairs committee. (end)
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