Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07TUNIS936
2007-07-16 07:59:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Tunis
Cable title:
WOMEN'S NGO URGES US ACTION ON FREEDOM DEFICIT,
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHTU #0936 1970759 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 160759Z JUL 07 FM AMEMBASSY TUNIS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3500 INFO RUCNMGH/MAGHREB COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L TUNIS 000936
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/MAG (HARRIS AND HOPKINS)
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/15/2017
TAGS: PGOV KDEM SOCI PREL TS
SUBJECT: WOMEN'S NGO URGES US ACTION ON FREEDOM DEFICIT,
OTHER REGIONAL CHALLENGES
REF: A. TUNIS 839
B. 06 TUNIS 1421
C. 06 TUNIS 388
Classified By: Ambassador Robert F. Godec for reasons 1.4 (b) AND (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L TUNIS 000936
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/MAG (HARRIS AND HOPKINS)
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/15/2017
TAGS: PGOV KDEM SOCI PREL TS
SUBJECT: WOMEN'S NGO URGES US ACTION ON FREEDOM DEFICIT,
OTHER REGIONAL CHALLENGES
REF: A. TUNIS 839
B. 06 TUNIS 1421
C. 06 TUNIS 388
Classified By: Ambassador Robert F. Godec for reasons 1.4 (b) AND (d)
1. (C) Summary: During the Ambassador's July 11 courtesy call
on the independent Tunisian Association of Democratic Women
(ATFD),Executive Board members outlined challenges for
independent civil society and urged the USG to take greater
steps to promote freedom of expression and association. The
group criticized US policies in the region, warning that the
situation in Iraq and the Palestinian territories engender
hatred and violence. They also expressed their concern that
such sentiments fuel extremism, which could threaten women's
rights in Tunisia. The Ambassador underscored strong US
support for democracy in Tunisia (the Freedom Agenda) and
explained US policies in the region. End Summary.
2. (C) After providing an overview of ATFD activities to
promote women's rights and gender equality, ATFD President
(and recipient of the Secretary's 2007 Woman of Courage
Award) Khedija Cherif told the Ambassador that the GOT has
interfered with ATFD activities for several years, including
blocking ATFD funding, preventing it from renting public
spaces and intimidating members (Refs B and C). Cherif said
that the GOT limits freedom of expression and association for
independent civil society, specifically those that do not
follow the GOT line. While the GOT touts the existence of
almost 10,000 associations, Cherif said less than ten deserve
the title of non-governmental organizations. When the
Ambassador noted that there is a lack of democracy and human
rights in Tunisia, the group chimed in, "An absence!" ATFD
Vice President Hafidha Chkeir asked why the United States
supports the Tunisian regime which is "anti-democratic." The
Ambassador added that he, the Embassy and the US Government
support democracy and democrats in Tunisia and around the
world (the Freedom Agenda),and provided the group with a
copy of President Bush's Prague speech.
3. (C) The Ambassador asked the group for specific ways the
USG could support their efforts to promote democracy and
freedom in Tunisia. Chkeir asked that the United States (and
the European Union) continue to lobby for democracy, human
rights and women's rights. Cherif added that the State
Department's Human Rights Report is one of the best reports
on the Tunisian situation. But, at times, Cherif said, it
feels like Western governments are engaging in double speak
when it comes to support for the Ben Ali regime.
Specifically, the United States should denounce violations,
pressure the GOT to allow greater freedom of expression and
association, and ensure Tunisia holds free elections with
international observers.
4. (C) The Executive Board members then turned to US policy
in the Middle East and expressed their concern that US
support for Israel is a "catastrophe" for the region and led
to the emergence of Hamas. The Ambassador said the United
States is committed to a solution, but that Palestinians must
reject violence and accept the existence of Israel. Cherif
noted that the situation in the Palestinian territories
destabilizes the whole region and encourages extremists. In
an informal ATFD poll, Cherif said that, while some female
university students veiled to protest the lack of domestic
political space, others were reacting to international
policies. Board members added that the war in Iraq also
fuels anti-American and extremist tendencies. Several noted
concern that if free elections were held in Tunisia,
Islamists would win and reverse the advancements of women's
rights.
5. (C) COMMENT. Like many Tunisian intellectuals, ATFD
membership is increasingly concerned with growing extremism
in Tunisia and the region. Vehemently secular, the ATFD
shares many of the GOT's political and social concerns,
although that has not led to unfettered activity. While Ben
Ali's recent monetary gift to the organization was a step in
the right direction, the following week an ATFD event was
banned. Despite the challenges, the group's leadership
remains active and welcomed the Ambassador's visit as
evidence of USG support for civil society. END COMMENT.
GODEC
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/MAG (HARRIS AND HOPKINS)
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/15/2017
TAGS: PGOV KDEM SOCI PREL TS
SUBJECT: WOMEN'S NGO URGES US ACTION ON FREEDOM DEFICIT,
OTHER REGIONAL CHALLENGES
REF: A. TUNIS 839
B. 06 TUNIS 1421
C. 06 TUNIS 388
Classified By: Ambassador Robert F. Godec for reasons 1.4 (b) AND (d)
1. (C) Summary: During the Ambassador's July 11 courtesy call
on the independent Tunisian Association of Democratic Women
(ATFD),Executive Board members outlined challenges for
independent civil society and urged the USG to take greater
steps to promote freedom of expression and association. The
group criticized US policies in the region, warning that the
situation in Iraq and the Palestinian territories engender
hatred and violence. They also expressed their concern that
such sentiments fuel extremism, which could threaten women's
rights in Tunisia. The Ambassador underscored strong US
support for democracy in Tunisia (the Freedom Agenda) and
explained US policies in the region. End Summary.
2. (C) After providing an overview of ATFD activities to
promote women's rights and gender equality, ATFD President
(and recipient of the Secretary's 2007 Woman of Courage
Award) Khedija Cherif told the Ambassador that the GOT has
interfered with ATFD activities for several years, including
blocking ATFD funding, preventing it from renting public
spaces and intimidating members (Refs B and C). Cherif said
that the GOT limits freedom of expression and association for
independent civil society, specifically those that do not
follow the GOT line. While the GOT touts the existence of
almost 10,000 associations, Cherif said less than ten deserve
the title of non-governmental organizations. When the
Ambassador noted that there is a lack of democracy and human
rights in Tunisia, the group chimed in, "An absence!" ATFD
Vice President Hafidha Chkeir asked why the United States
supports the Tunisian regime which is "anti-democratic." The
Ambassador added that he, the Embassy and the US Government
support democracy and democrats in Tunisia and around the
world (the Freedom Agenda),and provided the group with a
copy of President Bush's Prague speech.
3. (C) The Ambassador asked the group for specific ways the
USG could support their efforts to promote democracy and
freedom in Tunisia. Chkeir asked that the United States (and
the European Union) continue to lobby for democracy, human
rights and women's rights. Cherif added that the State
Department's Human Rights Report is one of the best reports
on the Tunisian situation. But, at times, Cherif said, it
feels like Western governments are engaging in double speak
when it comes to support for the Ben Ali regime.
Specifically, the United States should denounce violations,
pressure the GOT to allow greater freedom of expression and
association, and ensure Tunisia holds free elections with
international observers.
4. (C) The Executive Board members then turned to US policy
in the Middle East and expressed their concern that US
support for Israel is a "catastrophe" for the region and led
to the emergence of Hamas. The Ambassador said the United
States is committed to a solution, but that Palestinians must
reject violence and accept the existence of Israel. Cherif
noted that the situation in the Palestinian territories
destabilizes the whole region and encourages extremists. In
an informal ATFD poll, Cherif said that, while some female
university students veiled to protest the lack of domestic
political space, others were reacting to international
policies. Board members added that the war in Iraq also
fuels anti-American and extremist tendencies. Several noted
concern that if free elections were held in Tunisia,
Islamists would win and reverse the advancements of women's
rights.
5. (C) COMMENT. Like many Tunisian intellectuals, ATFD
membership is increasingly concerned with growing extremism
in Tunisia and the region. Vehemently secular, the ATFD
shares many of the GOT's political and social concerns,
although that has not led to unfettered activity. While Ben
Ali's recent monetary gift to the organization was a step in
the right direction, the following week an ATFD event was
banned. Despite the challenges, the group's leadership
remains active and welcomed the Ambassador's visit as
evidence of USG support for civil society. END COMMENT.
GODEC