Greece FM: We are against imposing religious principles on Tunisia

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias has been criticised after he used his visit to Tunisia to settle political scores with Turkey and attack the Ennahda movement.

After his meeting on Tuesday with Tunisian President Kais Saied, Dendias said that Greece will continue to support the “forces of moderation” in Tunisia, adding: “We are against any force that wants to impose religious or ideological principles,” in reference to the Ennahda movement.

The Greek minister stated: “Tunisia is a country that does not have any cultural or historical affiliations with us, what connects us is more important than that. The Greek community has been present in Tunisia for centuries, and we do not have a hidden agenda in our relations with Tunisia. We are only concerned with Tunisia’s stability and prosperity, unlike some countries in the eastern Mediterranean.”

Many regarded Dendias’ comments as a veiled criticism directed towards Turkey, which has strong ties with the Ennahda movement.

Many politicians criticised the Tunisian Presidency after it posted Dendias’ statement on its official Facebook page, on the grounds that it included “blatant interference” in the country’s internal affairs.

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