§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they have taken, if any, to invoke the provision in the Association Agreement between the European Union and Tunisia, signed on 17 July 1995. that "relations between the parties, as well as the Provisions of the Agreement itself, shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles … "; and, in particular, whether they have requested the Government of Tunisia to respond to the recommendations made by the United Nations Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right of Freedom of Opinion and Expression in his report to the Fifty-Sixth Session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, E/CN.4/2000/63.Add.4 of 23 February. [HL3126]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)The EU has followed a policy of constructive engagement with the Tunisians on the issue of human rights. Respect for human rights and democratic principles, including freedom of opinion and expression, are regularly raised during dialogue at all levels, most recently at the second EU-Tunisia Association Committee on 23 June 2000. EU Heads of Mission in Tunis also regularly raise human rights concerns with the Tunisian government. Support for30WA civil society and the media, with a view to ensuring freedom of expression, are two of the priority areas identified in the National Indicative Programme for Community spending in Tunisia over the next 3 years. The EC's regional MEDA Democracy programme is also able to support human rights initiatives in Tunisia.