EU ready to begin talks with Tunisia to upgrade ties

EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fulle met in Brussels Tuesday Habib Essid, Minister of Interior of Tunisia and discussed the situation in Tunisia and the region, the state of bilateral relations, and the progress made by Tunis in the democratisation process. Essid referred to the preparations of the upcoming elections for a Constituent Assembly on 23 October in Tunisia and the measures taken by the authorities towards the re-launch of the economy and maintaining security, said Fulle in press statements. "I reiterated the EU's commitment to support the ongoing democratic transition in Tunisia , and I recalled the measures already taken, notably the increase of the bilateral cooperation budget from 80 to 130 million euro in 2011, the strengthening of the civil society and the support to the impoverished rural areas," he said. The EU will observe the elections and this is a very significant development for Tunisia and for the positive development of our bilateral relations, he noted. "I also stressed the EU's readiness to restart negotiations with Tunisia on the 'Advanced Status' as soon as possible, in light of the political reforms being implemented in the country and the willingness to establish a privileged partnership with the democratic Tunisia. The minister confirmed the authorities' readiness to start this process," added Fulle.