Tunisia's relations with France are "back to normal"

The recent visit of President Moncef Al-Marzouki to France has put Tunisian-French relations back to normal, a spokesman for the presidency has claimed. Adnan Monser said that the two countries had “turned the apathy page” which had arisen out of the “anti-revolutionary and pro-tyranny attitude of some French parties”.

Speaking on Monday, July 23, Monser explained that the talks between Al-Marzouki and his French counterpart, Francois Hollande, were fruitful. He underlined that the President’s visit and his meetings with members of the executive and legislative authorities, along with civil society institutions, have reinstated the relationship to its former status.

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President Al-Marzouki listened to positive advice from Mr. Hollande in terms of France’s support for the political experience in Tunisia, from building constitutional institutions, to promoting Tunisian tourism and the possibility of transferring part of Tunisia’s national debt to France in investment projects. Hollande confirmed his belief that the success of the Tunisian experience will have a positive impact on all countries in the region.

Monser expressed regret for the cool attitude adopted by the right-wing media in France and some of the Tunisian media outlets regarding the visit. He called on the media which refer to the pressure exercised by the presidency to clarify what they mean and have a public debate in Tunisia.

France is the main economic partner of Tunisia; there are nearly 600,000 Tunisians living in Paris and other major towns and cities.