Recent events in Tunisia have moved at a fast rate. Few predicted the swiftness of the change. Even such a close neighbour and a former colonial power as France admitted it had no prior indication of what in fact happened. Change had been predicted in the Arab world but no one really believed it would start in Tunisia.
Malta and Tunisia have had close and friendly ties. Agreements have been signed on many different subjects and matters. Maltese entrepreneurs have invested significantly in the country. Maltese communities in the past lived in the La Goulette neighbourhood in Tunis. Dialogue and cooperation between the two countries is channelled through a mixed commission, which meets annually at ministerial level.
Malta’s ties and friendship are not with a particular regime or person but with the people of Tunisia.
The Jasmine Revolution is an excellent opportunity for the European Union to engage in a deeper understanding with Tunisia as it starts its journey towards free legislative and presidential elections. Since Independence in 1956, Tunisia has had only two presidents, Habib Bourguiba and Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
Foreign Ministers of EU member states have recognised the courage and determination shown by the Tunisian people and expressed through peaceful demonstrations. We affirmed our solidarity and support for Tunisia and the Tunisians in their plight for achieving a stable democracy, the rule of law and democratic pluralism. As to democratic pluralism, we have called for democratic political parties to be legalised – a basic right, that of political participation.
At EU level we have also urged the interim government to release all political prisoners who protested peacefully. Equally important, in support of the Tunisian people, the EU has adopted restrictive measures on individuals found to be responsible for misappropriation of state funds. To this end, support has been shown to the setting up of national commissions tasked with investigating corruption and violence during the demonstrations held.
No one expects a democratic government to be installed overnight; it shall be a firm and gradual process the EU, at the request of Tunisia, may assist. Electoral monitoring, the organisation of free and fair elections open to international supervision, the training of officials and public servants in the setting up of institutions indispensable for the future of a proper democracy are possible areas of cooperation if Tunisia so wishes.
Malta’s geographical vicinity to a friendly country like Tunisia should translate into assistance in times of need. The apparent acceptance of an interim government, supported by the main trade unions, bridging the new with the old, is an indication the Tunisian people are resilient enough to put their house in order. The move towards a temporary Administration guarantees stability and reduces the danger of extremist groups hijacking a revolution that was secular in nature and views Europe through favourable eyes.
As I told the newly appointed Tunisian Foreign Minister, Ahmed Ouneies, when I contacted him over the phone last week, Malta, within and outside the EU, always promoted an EU-Tunisia dialogue and it shall continue doing so hoping the advanced status negotiations with the EU will be concluded, marking a new chapter in Europe’s relationship with Tunisia. Now more than ever, the relationship between Tunisia and the EU ought to be further strengthened as an affirmation to the process of democratic transition the people of Tunisia themselves have initiated.
Dr Borg is Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.