Tunisia/France

Sarkozy signs lucrative deals as human rights issue looms

Article published on the 2008-04-29 Latest update 2009-06-23 10:59 TU

French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali
(Photo: Reuters)

French President Nicolas Sarkozy signed a major civilian nuclear energy deal with his Tunisian counterpart Zine El Abidine ben Ali on Tuesday, reflecting similar deals he previously made with Libya, Algeria and Morocco. On his official visit to Tunisia, he irked human rights groups when he spoke in positive terms of the country’s human rights work.

"I have full confidence in your desire to continue to broaden the area for civil liberties in Tunisia," Sarkozy said during a toast to Ben Ali Monday night. The French president also noted Tunisia's "determined fight" against terrorism, "which is the true enemy of democracy."

Rights groups accuse Tunis of using the pretext of cracking down on terrorists to jail peaceful dissenters.

French Secretary of State for Human Rights Rama Yade, who accompanied Sarkozy on his visit to Tunisia, is expected to meet with human rights groups on Tuesday, according to diplomats.

France also confirmed that Tunisair had ordered 16 Airbus airplanes, with an option to buy three more: a lucrative deal worth about €1 billion. France is Tunisia’s top European trade partner.

Sarkozy is also slated to discuss his proposed Mediterranean union project, one of his top priorities for the Maghreb region. He is determined to push forward the plan as France prepares to take the presidency of the European Union on 1 July.

The aim of the proposed regional group is to improve trade, transport and energy links between southern European countries and nations around the Mediterranean, including Tunisia, Morocco, Syria, Israel and Turkey. The plan also has an immigration control component, which contributes to Italy and Spain's endorsement.

A Mediterranean union has been met with suspicion in other EU countries, particularly in Germany, where it is feared that it will detract from the European Union.