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)
TT
20

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.



Israeli Strike South of Beirut Kills Commander in Jama'a Islamiya Group

A soldier of the Lebanese army stands next to the vehicle that was targeted by the Israeli army in Baaouerta. (X)
A soldier of the Lebanese army stands next to the vehicle that was targeted by the Israeli army in Baaouerta. (X)
TT
20

Israeli Strike South of Beirut Kills Commander in Jama'a Islamiya Group

A soldier of the Lebanese army stands next to the vehicle that was targeted by the Israeli army in Baaouerta. (X)
A soldier of the Lebanese army stands next to the vehicle that was targeted by the Israeli army in Baaouerta. (X)

An Israeli drone strike south of the Lebanese capital killed a top commander from the Jama'a Islamiya group, the group said in a statement on Tuesday.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

The strike on Tuesday morning killed Hussein Atawi, a leading commander in the armed branch of Jama'a Islamiya known as the Fajr Forces, as he was driving from his home to his office in Beirut, the statement said.

The Fajr Forces fired rockets across Lebanon's southern border at Israel throughout the year-long war that ended last year in a ceasefire deal. Israeli airstrikes killed several of the group's members during the conflict.

Since the ceasefire, Israel has continued to carry out strikes on Lebanese territory, mostly targeting fighters from Lebanese armed group Hezbollah or its arms depots. Israeli troops also still occupy five hilltop positions in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon, Hezbollah and the Jama'a Islamiya have condemned the strikes and Israeli troop presence, calling them violations of the truce and of Lebanon's sovereignty. Israel says the fighters and weapons pose a threat to Israeli civilians.