Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton after the first session of the EU/Tunisia Task Force
BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, September 29, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, issued the following statement yesterday:
“I am delighted to be here today for this first meeting of the EU/Tunisia Task Force.
It’s a particular pleasure that President Calmy-Rey was able to accept my invitation and join us.
It is already clear to both of us that asset recovery is an issue of huge importance to the Tunisian people.
This is firstly about closing the chapter on the excesses of the previous regime and ensuring that justice is done.
And secondly ensuring that these assets are reinvested in the future of this country.
There is no magic solution: assets will not be returned overnight and there are complex judicial processes which must be respected.
But we are committed to offering as much political and logistical support as we can.
Concrete next steps include a dedicated support team in Tunis and Brussels to facilitate coordination.
And a workshop in Brussels in November with technical experts from the World Bank, Member States and other third countries where these assets are likely to be found.
I’d like to congratulate President Calmy-Rey on the steps that Switzerland has already taken and I look forward to close cooperation in the future.
I was also delighted that the private sector was so well represented at this evening’s session.
Tunisia has lots of potential, skilled people and great opportunities.
But to tap into that, it’s important that investment returns.
We will continue our work tomorrow and I will inform you afterwards of a whole package of
measures with which the EU intends to help Tunisia.”
SOURCE
European Union
