Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
A European Union spokeswoman said through a statement in Brussels that the European External Action Administration received an official communication on Wednesday evening from the Tunisian authorities stating the final decision to refuse authorization for a European delegation’s visit that was scheduled for Thursday. It is a delegation that includes a number of members of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee
The European statement said: “We are very surprised by this decision, after the numerous visits that took place in recent months, which enabled the establishment of a frank and open dialogue between all European and Tunisian institutions as well as representatives of civil society.”
Our ambassador there immediately expressed his regret at this decision, which does not help strengthen our relations. The European Union and Tunisia have a strong and strategic partnership for both. Continued open dialogue is critical at a time when we face unprecedented challenges together.