MEP Simon Busuttil is today joining an urgent European Parliament delegation on a fact-finding mission in Tunisia.

This is the first EU mission to Tunisia since the Jasmine Revolution led to the ousting of President Ben Ali from power two weeks ago.

The decision to send a parliamentary delegation to assess the situation in Tunisia was taken by EP President Jerzy Buzek and the Conference of Presidents of EP groups earlier this week.

The delegation, which is composed of thirteen MEPs from the different political groups, is due to meet the Prime Minister of the Interim Government Mohamed Ghannouchi, the new Foreign Minister Ahmed Ounaies, the Minister for Justice Lazhar Karoui Chebbi as well as key persons who are leading the political reforms in Tunisia.

The delegation will also be briefed by ambassadors from EU Member States who are resident in Tunis.

"As a Maltese MEP I am proud to form part of this important mission because Tunisia is a neighbour and a special country for us. We shall be transmitting the clear message that Europe wants to help Tunisia through this difficult transition.” Dr Busuttil said.

On its return, the ad hoc delegation will take part in a specially convened meeting to take stock of the situation and to reassess the EU’s response to Tunisia throughout its transition to free elections later this year.

The delegation is led by veteran Spanish MEP from the EPP, Jose Ingacio Salfranca.