European Parliament to Hold Consultations on Political Reforms in Tunisia

Tunisians buy fresh produce at a market on the first day of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in Tunis, Tunisia, 02 April 2022. (EPA)
Tunisians buy fresh produce at a market on the first day of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in Tunis, Tunisia, 02 April 2022. (EPA)
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European Parliament to Hold Consultations on Political Reforms in Tunisia

Tunisians buy fresh produce at a market on the first day of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in Tunis, Tunisia, 02 April 2022. (EPA)
Tunisians buy fresh produce at a market on the first day of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in Tunis, Tunisia, 02 April 2022. (EPA)

Members of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee will travel to Tunis for consultations on Tunisia’s path towards political reforms and a return to institutional stability.

During the visit, from April 11-13, a high-level delegation of the European Parliament will meet the Tunisian president, representatives of the government, political parties, and civil society to discuss how the EU can continue to support Tunisia in the process of political reform and democratic consolidation.

This ad-hoc delegation will also provide the opportunity to discuss with relevant interlocutors if and how the European Parliament can support Tunisia in preparing for the planned elections at the end of 2022.

In addition, the delegation will pay special attention to the economic situation in Tunisia and on how the EU can best support Tunisian authorities in the implementation of economic reforms for the benefit of all Tunisians in light of the economic and food security crises, the global pandemic and the effects of the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Due to the suspension of the parliament, Tunisian authorities, and several parties loyal to the president had previously rejected a similar visit by European Parliament members to the country.

They viewed the visit as meddling in Tunisia's internal affairs.



Gunman Shot Dead, 3 Police Injured in Shooting near Israeli Embassy in Jordan

Image of the Israeli embassy building in Amman. (Archive)
Image of the Israeli embassy building in Amman. (Archive)
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Gunman Shot Dead, 3 Police Injured in Shooting near Israeli Embassy in Jordan

Image of the Israeli embassy building in Amman. (Archive)
Image of the Israeli embassy building in Amman. (Archive)

A gunman was dead and three policemen injured after a shooting near the Israeli embassy in neighboring Jordan, a security source and state media said on Sunday.
Police shot a gunman who had fired at a police patrol in the Rabiah neighborhood of Amman, state news agency Petra reported, citing public security, adding investigations were ongoing.
Jordan's government communications minister, Mohamed Momani, described the shooting as a terror attack that targeted public security forces in the country. He said in a statement that investigations into the attack were under way.
Jordanian police had earlier cordoned off an area near the heavily policed embassy after gunshots were heard, witnesses said. Two witnesses said police and ambulances rushed to the Rabiah neighborhood, where the embassy is located.
The area is a flashpoint for frequent demonstrations against Israel. The kingdom has witnessed some of the biggest peaceful rallies across the region as anti-Israel sentiment runs high over the war in Gaza.
Police had called on residents to stay in their homes as security personnel searched for the culprits, a security source said.