Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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10TUNIS26 | 2010-01-14 17:42:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Embassy Tunis |
VZCZCXYZ0000 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHTU #0026 0141742 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 141742Z JAN 10 FM AMEMBASSY TUNIS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7144 INFO RUCNMGH/MAGHREB COLLECTIVE |
C O N F I D E N T I A L TUNIS 000026 |
1. (C) Summary: On the afternoon of January 14, TAP, the official Tunisian press agency, announced the long-awaited shuffle of President Ben Ali's cabinet. The most significant appointment is that of Kamel Morjane, previously the Defense Minister, to the post of Foreign Minister. Oussama Romdhani, an important Embassy interlocutor and former exchange student in the U.S., has been appointed Minister of Communications. Also significant are Ben Ali's retentions of Mohammed Ghannouchi as Prime Minister and Rafik Belhaj Kacem as Interior Minister. Bechir Tekkari, a hardliner who had served as Justice Minister since 1999, switched places with Lazhar Bouini, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. End summary. 2. (C) Comment: Morjane has long been reputed to be the most pro-American senior official in Ben Ali's government. As Defense Minister, he has consistently been among the cabinet members most accessible to the Embassy. Morjane has a strong command of English. His appointment as Foreign Minister suggests that Ben Ali may hope to strengthen ties to the U.S., or at least halt the gradual stagnation witnessed in recent years. It is also significant that Prime Minister Ghannouchi has retained his seat. Broadly respected and viewed as a capable and pragmatic technocrat, Ghannouchi has served in the post since 1999. He was believed by many observers to be tired and eager to accept a private sector posting abroad. His retention suggests the Ben Ali government is looking for continuity and stability as speculation about the presidential succession increases following Ben Ali's assumption of a fifth five year term in October 2009. End comment. 3. (SBU) The changes to Ben Ali's cabinet are: Minister of Foreign Affairs: Kamel Morjane (Former Minister of National Defense) Minister of Justice and Human Rights: Lazhar Bououni (Former Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research) Minister of National Defense: Ridha Grira (Former Minister of State Properties and Real Estate) Minister of Finance: Mohamed Ridha Chalghoum Minister of Social Affairs, Solidarity and Tunisians Living Abroad: Naceur El Gharbi Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research: Bechir Tekkari (Former Minister of Justice and Human Rights) Minister of Tourism: Slim Tlati Minister of State Properties and Real Estate: Zouheir M,dhaffar Minister of Women,s Affairs, Family, Children and Senior Citizens: Bibya Chihi Minister of Communication Technologies: Mohamed Naceur Ammar Minister of Professional Training and Employment: Mohamed Agrebi Minister of Industry and Technology: Afif Chelbi (Former Minister of Industry, Energy, Small and Medium-Sized Companies) Minister of Education: Hatem Ben Salem (formerly Minister of Education and Vocational Training) Minister of Communication: Oussama Romdhani (Romdhani was appointed acting Minister of Communications in October 2009). GRAY |