Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I have been following recent events in Tunisia very closely, including the ousting of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali on 14 January following widespread unrest due to popular discontent at extensive unemployment, corruption and repression. I condemn, in the strongest terms, the violent repression of the popular demonstrations which have taken place over the past month and I express the sympathy of the Irish people to the families and friends of the victims. I pay tribute to the courage of the Tunisian people and their peaceful struggle for their rights.

The situation in Tunisia continues to be highly volatile, although there have been some positive developments in recent days. While the overall security situation has improved compared to recent weeks, there are still incidents of serious protest and violence. I have had the occasion to contact a constituent living in a remote area of Tunisia and the tale being told is a terrifying one. An interim national unity government, including some opponents of the former President, such as Nejib Chebbi, founder of the Progressive Democratic Party, who became Minister of Regional Development, was announced on 17 January by Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi. The continued presence of members of the deposed President's RCD party, however, has resulted in a number of resignations from the new government, resignations from that party on the part of the Prime Minister and renewed protests on the streets.

The response from Ireland and its EU partners to the developments in Tunisia has been to urge the need for calm, restraint and dialogue and to make clear that the EU stands ready to assist Tunisia as it undergoes a transition to a stable democracy, with full respect of fundamental rights and freedoms. It is vital in this regard that free, fair and inclusive elections are held as soon as possible in Tunisia.

I strongly support the statement issued by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Štefan Füle on 17 January which reaffirms EU solidarity with Tunisia and its people. In this statement, the EU urges the Tunisian authorities to act responsibly, preserve peace, show restraint and avoid further violence and, in particular, further casualties. Ireland, together with its EU partners, condemns any actions aimed at further destabilising the security situation. There is a clear need for an indepth discussion by EU Foreign Affairs Ministers and this may be possible at the Foreign Affairs Council scheduled to take place on 31 January.

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