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