EPP objects to Tunisia resolution

The European Parliament yesterday adopted a resolution condemning the human rights situation in Tunisia.

The resolution was adopted with 264 votes in favour although the majority of MEPs present either abstained or voted against.

The European People's Party abstained, with Nationalist MEP Simon Busuttil, who headed the party's negotiations on the resolution, saying that although there was no doubt that Tunisia should do more to promote human rights the message should be sent more constructively and not through a witch-hunt.

He said this was the position agreed by the EPP group.

"Our group's position on human rights is well known. But we should be fair, balanced and coherent in our approach to our relations with third countries. We should not alienate Tunisia but encourage it to make the necessary steps forward in this sensitive area," Dr Busuttil said.

"The promoters of this resolution were not and this is why I refused to sign up to this resolution on behalf of my group and why our group abstained in the final vote," he said.