BEN ALI'S NEW YEAR'S SPEECH TO DIPLOMATIC CORPS

C O N F I D E N T I A L TUNIS 000252 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/RA AND NEA/MAG - LAWRENCE E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/05/2016 TAGS: PREL KDEM PGOV PINR TS SUBJECT: BEN ALI'S NEW YEAR'S SPEECH TO DIPLOMATIC CORPS REINFORCES MODERATE MESSAGE Classified By: AMBASSADOR WILLIAM HUDSON FOR REASONS 1.5 (b) AND (d) ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: On February 2, Ambassador, along with the entire resident and non-resident Diplomatic Corps, was invited to present New Year's greetings to President Ben Ali. In addition to personally greeting all ambassadors, Ben Ali delivered a speech outlining GOT political priorities. The President noted the government's efforts to "reinforce the democratic structure" in 2005. Internationally, Ben Ali reaffirmed Tunisia's commitment to the Arab Maghreb Union, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Conference and the African Union, while noting that the UN remains the "most appropriate framework to find solutions to international problems." He also stressed Tunisia's continued support of peace in both Palestine and Iraq. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) Ambassador, along with approximately one hundred other heads of diplomatic missions, delivered New Year's greetings to President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali on February 2. Also in attendance were: ruling Democratic Constitutional Rally (RCD) First Vice President Hamed Karoui, Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi, President of the Chamber of Deputies Fouad M'bazaa, President of the Chamber of Advisors Abdallah Kallal, members of the RCD Politburo, government, prominent organizations, advisory councils and state entities, and representatives of regional and international organizations. The dean of the diplomatic corps, Omani Ambassador Ali bin Ahmad al-Issani, delivered introductory remarks. (NOTE: The Ambassador saw Ben Ali only briefly welcome the Syrian and Iranian ambassadors, while speaking at length with the ambassadors of China, South Korea and France. Ben Ali used his moment with the Ambassador to confirm his availability for an upcoming Saturday meeting with Secretary Rumsfeld. END NOTE.) ¶3. (SBU) Ben Ali began his speech (copies of which were distributed after the event) by noting government efforts to "reinforce the democratic edifice," particularly as it relates to political parties and the press. He went on to highlight specific achievements, such as establishing the Chamber of Advisors, enlarging the Higher Communication Council to include different parts of Tunisian society, diversifying the media landscape and encouraging private initiative in the media, and entrusting the president of the Higher Committee for Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms with receiving the concerns and suggestions of political parties and civil society. ¶4. (C) Regarding the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU),Ben Ali said he is working with the leaders of other member countries "to strengthen the bonds of cooperation...in such a way to give the desired impetus to our shared work in all fields." He added, "I am convinced that our Union today needs a pause to overcome the obstacles impeding the completion of its establishment and the launch of its structures and institutions." (COMMENT: Ben Ali's focus on the AMU is in part reflective of the January appointment of former presidential advisor and foreign minister Habib Ben Yahia as Secretary General of the AMU. Ben Yahia is likely to SIPDIS encourage the resolution of outstanding conflicts, while supporting any positive AMU dialogue or action. END COMMENT.) ¶5. (SBU) President Ben Ali commended the Arab League for the results achieved "in implementing the Tunis and Algiers Summit resolutions...regarding modernity and progress and contributing to the firm rooting of the values of dialogue and tolerance in the world." (NOTE: This passing reference to the ambitious May 2005 Tunis Declaration is slightly exaggerated, as real progress on the proposed reforms is unclear. END NOTE.) Ben Ali added that Tunisia "will continue its support for dialogue among civilizations and religions, consecrating world security and peace." Tunisia, as part of the Organization of Islamic Conference, also "will pursue the dissemination of the values of moderation...and the rejection of extremism and violence." ¶6. (SBU) On Palestine, Ben Ali reaffirmed Tunisia's support for the Palestinian cause and renewed his call to "the international community and all influential parties, particularly the Quartet, to continue efforts to establish a just, durable and comprehensive peace." He added, "We hope that 2006 will be a year of serious dialogue and an international consensus allowing the Palestinian people to recover their legitimate national rights and establish an independent state." The President also said Tunisia hopes that Iraq "will be able to achieve concord and national unity...so it can devote its efforts to reconstruction and development, within a context of stability and serenity." ¶7. (SBU) Commenting on challenges facing the world, the President said that the United Nations and its institutions remain "the most appropriate framework to coordinate efforts and find conciliatory solutions." He added, "We hope the endeavors for years to reform will lead to the desired results that reinforce its credibility, efficiency and position on the international scene." Ben Ali also noted the deep-rooted relations with American and Asian countries, which are "based on dialogue, consultation and cooperation," as well as its important relations with other Mediterranean and African countries. The President's comments largely focused on development and areas of economic and commercial cooperation that "serve our mutual interests." ¶8. (C) COMMENT: Although Ben Ali's speech was specifically directed to a foreign audience in this case, his comments were entirely reflective of broader national goals. Tunisia rarely seeks to independently drive international issues, but clearly is a voice of moderation, dialogue and peace in regional discussions. These policies represent Tunisia's helpful international engagement that the GOT so often highlights with foreign officials. ¶9. (C) COMMENT, CONT.: Ben Ali's comments on democratic change in Tunisia are also representative of the political reform agenda that GOT officials regularly tell us is a national priority. While the achievements he notes are commendable, it is not clear that they have any tangible impact on civil society development or encourage political participation among average Tunisians. END COMMENT. ¶10. (C) HEALTH UPDATE: Ben Ali appeared robust - standing and greeting heads of diplomatic missions and senior GOT officials for well over an hour. He was clearly engaged and spoke specifics with practically each chief of mission he greeted. HUDSON