DEMARCHE DELIVERED: 2006 TIP REPORT - TUNISIA

C O N F I D E N T I A L TUNIS 001364 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/MAG - LAWRENCE AND G/TIP - PATEL E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/04/2016 TAGS: PHUM KWMN ELAB SMIG ASEC KFRD KCRM TS SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: 2006 TIP REPORT - TUNISIA REF: A. STATE 88831 ¶B. STATE 85720 Classified By: AMBASSADOR WILLIAM HUDSON FOR REASONS 1.4 (b) AND (d) ¶1. (C) On June 5, DCM, accompanied by Laboff, delivered Ref B demarche on the 2006 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report to MFA Director for the Americas Fadhel Ayari. Ayari stressed that, to his knowledge and as various Ministries noted during Laboff's TIP-related meetings, there was no trafficking in persons taking place in Tunisia. Ayari said that, while the GOT would need time to review the narrative, it seemed unjust to include Tunisia in Tier 2, given the country's progressive legislation on TIP and women's and children's issues. Being listed, said Ayari, "is disappointing given our efforts," explaining that Tunisian measures to combat illegal migration to Europe have been recognized by several European countries. ¶2. (C) Ayari said that the GOT may have further comments after reviewing the narrative. However, he stressed that the GOT looks forward "to coordinating our efforts and exchanging information." He was also interested in the possibility of working with the USG on anti-trafficking programs and will suggest areas for possible cooperation in the coming year. HUDSON