OPPOSITION PARTY REACHES OUT TO EMBASSY

C O N F I D E N T I A L TUNIS 001075 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/FO (GRAY AND CARPENTER); DRL/FO (BARKS-RUGGLES); NEA/MAG (HOPKINS/HARRIS); NEA/PI LONDON AND PARIS FOR NEA WATCHER E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/07/2017 TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL KDEM KPAO TS SUBJECT: OPPOSITION PARTY REACHES OUT TO EMBASSY REF: A. TUNIS 938 ¶B. TUNIS 904 ¶C. TUNIS 1058 Classified By: Ambassador Robert F. Godec for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) Requests for more American assistance and cooperation are not something we normally hear from Tunisian opposition parties, but it was exactly what the Social Democratic Movement (MDS) wanted to talk about during the Ambassador's August 8 meeting. MDS Secretary General Ismail Boulahia had concrete proposals for joint projects, and spoke warmly of the MDS's history of cooperation with the Embassy. Boulahia sees the MDS as a bridge between civil society and the ruling Democratic Constitutional Rally (RCD). End Summary. -------------- Not Your Average Loyal Opposition -------------- ¶2. (C) On August 8, the Ambassador discussed outreach possibilities with members of the opposition Social Democratic Movement (MDS),including the Secretary General Ismail Boulahia. The MDS has the largest number of opposition members in the Chamber of Deputies (14),and is considered to have close ties to the GOT. (Note: The MDS endorsed Ben Ali during the last presidential elections, rather than field a candidate. End Note.) Boulahia, however, had an unusual take on what Tunisia needs and on how opposition parties should act. He explained that the MDS seeks to work within the system, rather than fight the GOT. He described the MDS's agenda as threefold: democracy (increased political participation),social justice (greater political space),and moderate Islam (as an alternative to radical religious groups). The MDS praised President Ben Ali for having good ideas regarding democracy promotion, but blamed those below him for badly implementing the President's initiatives to protect their own positions. In its zeal to exclude radical Islamists the RCD has excluded everyone, Boulahia bluntly said. He added the RCD needs to be more open and flexible. ¶3. (C) Unlike the Ambassador's July 10 meeting with the GOT-loyal Democratic Alliance (Ref A),MDS members strongly critiqued restrictions on freedom of association and expression. Boulahia complained that the MDS has a hard time reaching young people, since the party has so little access to radio or television. Taieb Mohsni, a member of MDS's political bureau, explained that even the GOT-friendly MDS has plainclothes policemen question people coming in and out of its offices. Given the atmosphere of intimidation, who can blame young people for not wanting to be involved, he asked. Mohsni blamed this political marginalization for pushing young people towards radicalism at home and abroad. Boulahia paraphrased the discussion saying Tunisia's two biggest threats are radical Islam and the party in power. ¶4. (C) The Ambassador emphasized the USG's commitment to the promotion of democracy and liberty at the highest levels, as evidenced by President Bush's June 5 Prague speech. He added that the Embassy assists civil society though a variety of programs. Boulahia spoke warmly of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) several times, and was open to the Ambassador's proposal of assistance through MEPI or other USG initiatives. He suggested that the Embassy explore establishing an "American group" in the Chamber of Deputies, similar to the Tunisian Caucus in the US House of Representatives. Boulahia also mentioned the MDS hosts an annual conference on topics such as human rights, and asked the Ambassador if the Embassy would consider co-hosting the next conference. (Note: The Embassy is following up with the MDS regarding topic proposals and logistics. End Note.) -------------- Comment -------------- ¶5. (C) The MDS was the only opposition party to welcome offers of training or material support; other opposition parties either dismissed Embassy assistance or suggested the Embassy focus solely on lobbying for democracy with the GOT (Refs A, B, and C). If Boulahia follows up on his suggestions, partnering with the MDS could facilitate Embassy outreach and programming efforts. Indeed, they actively solicited USG cooperation and assistance, and the Embassy will pursue the opening. It is worth noting that although Boulahia looked fairly healthy, he recently underwent heart surgery. The MDS Central Committee will hold a party congress during the first half of 2008, and it is possible that Boulahia will be replaced as Secretary General. The success of the initiatives Boulahia proposed would then depend on his successor. Judging from the MDS members present during the August 8 meeting, however, at least some other senior members support Boulahia's views. GODEC