Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09TUNIS271
2009-05-01 16:21:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Tunis
Cable title:  

EMBASSY TUNIS NOMINATION FOR 2009 DEPARTMENT OF

Tags:  APER AMGT AFSN TS 
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VZCZCXYZ0001
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHTU #0271 1211621
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 011621Z MAY 09
FM AMEMBASSY TUNIS
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6255
C O N F I D E N T I A L TUNIS 000271 

SIPDIS

NEA/FO, NEA/MAG (PATTERSON/HAYES);
HR/OE/PC (CORINNE APPLETON)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/29/2019
TAGS: APER AMGT AFSN TS
SUBJECT: EMBASSY TUNIS NOMINATION FOR 2009 DEPARTMENT OF
STATE FOREIGN SERVICE NATIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD

REF: STATE 27006

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 000271

SIPDIS

NEA/FO, NEA/MAG (PATTERSON/HAYES);
HR/OE/PC (CORINNE APPLETON)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/29/2019
TAGS: APER AMGT AFSN TS
SUBJECT: EMBASSY TUNIS NOMINATION FOR 2009 DEPARTMENT OF
STATE FOREIGN SERVICE NATIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD

REF: STATE 27006

Classified By: Ambassador Robert F. Godec for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Embassy Tunis is pleased to nominate Senior
Political Specialist Jamil Halfaoui (JA-MEAL HAL-FOW-WEE, FSN
11/12, PSA) as its candidate for FSN of the Year. During 31
years of government service, Jamil's hard work and dedication
have directly supported the USG's policy initiatives in
Tunisia. Jamil devotes himself to advancing USG interests at
significant personal risk.


2. (C) Government of Tunisia (GOT)-affiliated newspapers
have publicly warned Tunisians to avoid "superpower foreign
embassies." Many of Jamil's contacts are often harassed,
arrested, and even beaten.

3. (C) Jamil himself has become a target: a Tunisian court
sentenced Jamil to four months in prison, on a five-year old
charge for which he had twice been previously found not
guilty. The judiciary is not independent, and the GOT often
uses the courts to punish activists. After reviewing the
facts of the case, the Embassy was concerned that the case
may have been politically motivated, punishing Jamil for his
efforts to help advance democracy and human rights. Despite
the threat of prison (the sentence was eventually suspended
but public prosecutors can appeal that decision at any time),
Jamil weathered the pressure and continues to excel at his
job. His long-term dedication, in the face of adverse
conditions, warrants recognition at the highest levels.


4. (C) Jamil's knowledge and insight expanded the depth and
breath of the Embassy's activities and reporting. As a
result of progressive restrictions on GOT officials' foreign
contact put in place by the Foreign Ministry, GOT
counterparts have become increasingly reluctant to meet with
diplomats without express permission from the highest levels.
This significantly hampers the Embassy's ability to operate
in Tunisia. Jamil, however, reaches out to the many contacts
and friends he has made and persuades them to meet with us.
When the Ambassador held a series of roundtables prior to the
American elections, Jamil convinced reluctant invitees to
attend. When the GOT actively discouraged Tunisians from
pursuing Middle East Partnership Initiative local grants,
Jamil convinced new organizations to apply. When relations
with key political contacts foundered because of these
contacts' opposition to US Middle East policy, many boycotted
Embassy events; Jamil persisted in debating the difficult
issues, and found ways to convince them of the advantages of
engagement with USG officials.

5. (C) Jamil's honesty and discretion instill trust. His
ability to address sensitive issues without offending have
allowed him great access to groups as diverse as former
political prisoners, feminist activists, and retired
ministers. With his seasoned diplomatic skills, Jamil makes
these contacts feel welcome, which is critical to our
outreach. The Embassy turns to Jamil for background,
insight, and information on the latest developments on
sensitive issues like corruption, unemployment, human rights,
and elections. His knowledge of the personal histories of
Tunisia's movers and shakers is invaluable -- and necessary
-- when determining how best to effect change.

6. (C) Proposed Citation:
(Note: Because Jamil Halfaoui is still subject to GOT
retribution for his work to advance democracy and human
rights, Post would ask that such a citation be used only on
condition that the award is kept confidential.)
(a) Option 1 (if the award is kept confidential): For
outstanding service in the advancement of democracy and human
rights
(b) Option 2 (if the award is made public): In recognition of
consistently outstanding service.
Godec