UNION LEADER HIGHLIGHTS SHARED VALUES, DISILLUSION

C O N F I D E N T I A L TUNIS 000246 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/MAG - HOPKINS, HARRIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/19/2017 TAGS: ELAB PHUM KDEM ECON TS SUBJECT: UNION LEADER HIGHLIGHTS SHARED VALUES, DISILLUSION WITH US POLICY REF: A. 06 TUNIS 2844 ¶B. 06 TUNIS 2688 Classified By: AMBASSADOR ROBERT F. GODEC FOR REASONS 1.4 (b) AND (d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY. During Ambassador's February 16 courtesy call, General Union of Tunisian Workers (UGTT) Secretary General Abdessalem Jerad stressed the shared values between Tunisia and the United States. Jerad explained that the UGTT membership is representative of all political, economic and social groups in Tunisia and that the GOT has no role in UGTT matters. While the conversation focused on shared goals, Jerad also used the opportunity to convey Tunisian (and Arab) disillusionment with US policy in the region. Ambassador explained US policy and actions on Israel-Palestine. Despite policy differences, the UGTT is a natural ally on our Freedom Agenda goals. Post will continue to work with the UGTT to advance these goals. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) SYG Jerad began the conversation by thanking the Ambassador for continuing the long tradition of direct relations between the UGTT and US ambassadors in Tunisia. Jerad said that Tunisians view the United States as a "friendly country" and that he hoped Ambassador would successfully expand relations between the two countries and peoples. Ambassador told Jerad that, given the importance of the UGTT in Tunisia, he hoped to gain a better understanding of the union's goals. Jerad said that, while the UGTT may be the sole Tunisian labor confederation, it is a truly pluralistic organization that represents Tunisians of every political tendency ("the extreme right and left"),social class and educational level. While every political tendency is welcome, the UGTT's only goal is improving the conditions of Tunisian workers, and it refuses any effort by any entity to exert political pressure on the organization. Members enjoy a "democratic life" inside the UGTT, whose priorities stress the importance of freedom of thought and expression, civil society and human rights. Jerad noted ongoing UGTT support for the Tunisian Human Rights League and Tunisia's new journalists' syndicate (reftels). ¶3. (C) Jerad told Ambassador the UGTT is "a national organization whose goal is national interest." Jerad said that economically, Tunisia could be doing better. Noting the difficulties facing the Tunisian economy, including high oil prices, Jerad said UGTT studies and statistics are developed to support their arguments for improved worker conditions. In particular, Jerad said the UGTT believes Tunisia should attract more foreign investment to spur economic growth, particularly as Tunisia lacks the natural resources which fueled development in Algeria and Libya. ¶4. (C) Jerad then turned the conversation to the UGTT's concerns with US policies in the region. He began by noting that the American people and government historically were respected internationally for supporting peace, democracy, human rights and freedom. Tunisians today still believe these are shared Tunisian-American values, but feel that the United States is applying a double standard when it comes to supporting these values. In particular, Jerad said that the United States is not offering sufficient support to Arab moderates who are a "stumbling bloc" to extremists. Ambassador explained that the US policies seek to advance liberty and democracy throughout the region. Jerad complained that US support for Israel encourages the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Ambassador noted that President Bush was the first US president to call for a two-state solution. Jerad agreed this was an important announcement, but said that this policy must be implemented. Jerad said he hoped the new Palestinian unity government would be successful, but said the United States is responsible for ensuring the success of the peace process. ¶5. (C) COMMENT. Despite its concerns about US policies in the region, the UGTT is a natural partner in advancing our Freedom Agenda goals. The union likely enjoys as much independence as is possible in today's Tunisia and is supportive of many independent civil society organizations. Post will follow up with Jerad to encourage greater cooperation, including through MEPI funding and PD programs. END COMMENT. GODEC