Tunisia – home of the Arab Spring

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Recently Meg Munn MP, accompanied by Parliamentary colleagues Nigel Evans MP Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, Geoffrey Clifton Brown MP and Denis Macshane MP, met Dr. Rafik Abdessalem, the Tunisian Foreign Affairs Minister, during his visit to the UK.

 

Dr. Abdessalem outlined to the group the steps that are being taken to ensure a functioning democratic system is established following the popular revolution last year. At present a new constitution is being drafted which will enshrine human rights and democracy. Following this a general election is scheduled to be held next year.

 

Tunisia is keen to develop its economy and discussions have taken place with other countries in the Union of the Maghreb to develop the area into an expanding economic zone with free movement of people and trade. Dr. Abdessalem was accompanied at the meeting by the Tunisian Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Hatem Atallah.

 

Meg said:

 

"I was delighted to meet the Foreign Minister and to hear about the progress they are making since the momentous changes of last year. Tunisia is known as the country where the Arab Spring began and it is important that we offer assistance as they develop their democratic system. As a governor of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy I know there are plans for that ongoing contact and support."