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| Identifier | Subject | Date | Office | Classification | Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01TUNIS325 |
GOVERNMENT SHAKE-UP: OBSERVERS SEE INCREASINGLY [...] (C) IN NUMEROUS CONVERSATIONS SINCE THE JANUARY 23 GOVERNMENT RESHUFFLING (REFTEL), TUNISIAN AND DIPLOMATIC OBSERVERS HAVE ALMOST INVARIABLY DESCRIBED THE SHAKE-UP AS SOMETHING OF A GAME OF MUSICAL CHAIRS AND A SIGN OF PRESIDENT BEN ALI'S FIRM PERSONAL CONTROL OVER THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN [...] |
2001-02-09 08:57:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ELAB KDEM PHUM TS |
| 03TUNIS1947 |
AMBASSADOR'S FAREWELL CALL ON PRIME MINISTER [...] (C) Summary: Ambassador, accompanied by DCM, paid a farewell call July 22 on Tunisian Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi. In a wide-ranging review of US-Tunisian bilateral relations, the Ambassador encouraged the GOT to build on its impressive record of economic and social development and to [...] |
2003-07-23 12:06:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV TS |
| 05TUNIS1045 |
TUNISIA - DEMOCRATIC REFORM STRATEGY TO SUPPORT [...] (C) Tunisia has a lot of things going for it as a country, but the speedy clip of political liberalization is not one of them. The good news about Tunisia is that there is no organized extremist opposition that we know of. The bad news is that there is no organized opposition of any kind. Al [...] |
2005-05-12 11:43:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KDEM KMPI ECON PGOV KPAO AMGT TS WSIS |
| 05TUNIS1047 |
ANONYMOUS COMMUNIQUES ALLEGE RCD DISCONTENT WITH [...] (C) Summary: Two communiques highly critical of President Ben Ali have been issued in recent months from a newly formed group calling itself the "Destouriens Democrates." Its anonymous authors claim to be members of the ruling Democratic Constitutional Rally (RCD) party who are dissatisfied w [...] |
2005-05-18 15:12:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KDEM TS |
| 05TUNIS1048 |
TUNISIA'S ENERGY CZAR EXPLAINS POSITION ON U.S. [...] (C) Summary. Econoff's meeting with the head of Tunisia's electricity monopoly reveals that a U.S. investor, EnerCiel, will likely need to seek relief through the court system or reach a compromise given the hardening of legal positions and the difficulties EnerCiel is facing with moving forwa [...] |
2005-05-19 06:48:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG KIDE EINV TS |
| 05TUNIS1067 |
TUNISIA: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: URGING OFFICIAL [...] No summary [...] |
2005-05-20 14:13:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | KNNP MNUC PARM PREL PGOV EWWT TS |
| 05TUNIS1081 |
LEGAL OPPOSITION LACKS POLITICAL SKILLS, PUBLIC [...] (C) Summary. Although results of the May 8 local elections showed a ten per cent gain in the number of municipal seats held by Tunisian opposition parties, none of these parties, either alone or in a coalition, have any significant, measurable amount of public support. In discussions during [...] |
2005-05-23 14:37:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KDEM PHUM TS MEPI |
| 05TUNIS1085 |
TUNISIAN JOURNALISTS DIVIDED OVER ASSOCIATION [...] No summary [...] |
2005-05-23 15:03:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | KPAO PHUM PGOV KDEM TS KMEPI |
| 05TUNIS1091 |
Embassy Engages Tunisian Journalists on World Press [...] (SBU) Summary: On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the Embassy, with financial and logistical support from Internews, provided training for over 70 Tunisian journalists on the issue of on-line journalism. On May 3, the Embassy hosted a small hands-on workshop, led by American expert [...] |
2005-05-24 13:25:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM KPAO SOCI KMPI TS ECIP |
| 05TUNIS1092 |
Mixed Tunisian reactions to Foreign Policy [...] SUMMARY: While both of the Tunisian participants in the April 2005 Foreign Policy IV program were favorably impressed by American society, their impressions of the content of the program were quite varied. Ahlem ben Ali, a Tunisian journalist, related that she had learned many interesting a [...] |
2005-05-25 06:37:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OEXC SCUL TS |
| 05TUNIS1093 |
Media IV Program Positively Effects Tunisian [...] SUMMARY: Abderraouf Mkadmi, an editor at the most widely-read and anti-American Tunisian daily newspaper, returned from the March "Role of the Media" program with profound respect for the American people. Mkadmi noted that, upon his return to Tunisia, he was struck at the negative ramificat [...] |
2005-05-25 06:37:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OEXC SCUL TS |
| 05TUNIS1128 |
TUNISIA: REGIONAL SUPPORT FOR ADVANCING THE PEACE [...] (C) In a meeting on several topics May 26, the Ambassador delivered the points on Arab League regional support for advancing the peace process to MFA Secretary of State for American and Asian Affairs Chtioui. The Ambassador covered points reftel, stressing that the time was right to move agg [...] |
2005-05-31 12:07:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL TS |
| 05TUNIS1203 |
Tunis Weekly Public Diplomacy Outreach Report, June [...] On June 2, 40 high schoolers and two of their English teachers from Kelibia, a small fishing port one and a half hours from Tunis, visited the American Center as part of an educational field trip during which they spent half a day at the Embassy, touring the IRC, surfing the net and admiring t [...] |
2005-06-06 13:52:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SCUL OIIP OEXC TS |
| 05TUNIS1204 |
GENERAL JONES MEETING WITH TUNISIAN DEPUTY FM [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a meeting with MFA Deputy Foreign Minister for American and Asian Affairs Chtioui June 3, General Jones urged continued Tunisian cooperation with EUCOM and NATO as both entities expanded their scope to include Africa. Chtioui said Tunisia was ready to work together in a numb [...] |
2005-06-06 15:12:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV MOPS TS EU |
| 05TUNIS1235 |
TUNISIA HUMAN RIGHTS DEVELOPMENTS: 05/25 - 06/08 [...] SUMMARY: This cable summarizes significant human rights developments during the previous two week period. Topics covered are: -- Case of Mohamed Abbou -- Arab Institute of Human Rights Funding Problems -- Formation of "Committee for the Defense of Victims of Terrorism Law" -- Amnesty Int [...] |
2005-06-09 15:17:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL KPAO KMPI TS |
| 05TUNIS1257 |
EVE OF TIFA COUNCIL: WHERE DOES TUNISIA STAND ON [...] (C) Summary. Tunisia has taken the fundamental decision to liberalize its economy after decades of state-control, but progress has been deliberate and mostly limited to sectors that do not threaten the GOT's prerogative or ultimate "sovereignty". The GOT justifies its approach in terms of mi [...] |
2005-06-06 13:40:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN ETRD TS EFTA |
| 05TUNIS1282 |
ABBOU APPEAL TRIAL: SENTENCE UPHELD, DIPLOMATIC [...] (SBU) Summary: On June 10, the Court of Appeal in Tunis upheld the three and a half year sentence of lawyer/activist Mohamed Abbou (ref a). The trial was disorderly, and at times chaotic, with over 120 lawyers attempting to defend Abbou. Embassy human rights officer attended the trial along [...] |
2005-06-13 14:56:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL KPAO KMPI TS |
| 05TUNIS1314 |
MEPI: IRI PRESENTS AMBITIOUS PLAN FOR TUNISIA; GOT [...] (C) Summary and Comment: International Republican Institute (IRI) MENA Director Tom Garrett outlined proposals for increasing IRI engagement with Tunisia to MFA DG Atallah on June 14. IRI would like to hold a regional conference on public opinion polling in Tunis in September, plans to incre [...] |
2005-06-16 14:27:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | TS KDEM PREL PHUM MEPI |
| 05TUNIS1324 |
STATUS OF REQUEST FOR SOFA IN TUNISIA [...] (C) We have no Status of Forces Agreement currently with the GOT. In connection with training exercise Flintlock, we have signed an MOA (administrative agreement) that is valid for the duration of the exercise (June 3-17, 2005). We have a waiver from EUCOM for the Tunisia portion of Fl [...] |
2005-06-17 13:43:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MOPS PREL TS |
| 05TUNIS1379 |
MEETING WITH SAMIA ABBOU [...] (C) Summary: Abbou supporters continue to seek USG intervention in the case of jailed lawyer/activist Mohamed Abbou (ref A). According to his wife, Abbou refused to bring his case before the Supreme Court because it would be giving too much legitimacy to what he and his supporters believe is [...] |
2005-06-23 09:13:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV KPAO KMPI KDEM TS |
| 05TUNIS1438 |
TUNISIA: UN REFORM DEMARCHE [...] (C) In a meeting on several topics June 29, the Ambassador offered MFA Director of Americas and Asia Department Hatem Atallah (A/S equivalent) a comprehensive summary of U.S. priorities on UN reform, covering support for the Democracy Fund, management reform, the creation of a Human Rights Co [...] |
2005-07-01 12:45:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL TS UN UNSC |
| 05TUNIS1439 |
UK REP ON BMENA DEVELOPMENTS, LEBANON [...] SUMMARY: UK Coordinator for Outreach to the Arab World Nick Abbott offered an update on UK coordination of BMENA activities to MEPI Regional Office Director. The four civil society components are coming together: UK organizing Transparency, U.S. Rule of Law, Bahrain Businesswomen, and hope [...] |
2005-07-01 14:20:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | KMPI KDEM PREL LE TS |
| 05TUNIS1442 |
VISAS VIPER MONTHLY REPORT FOR JULY 2005 [...] Post's Visa Viper Committee met on Friday, July 1, 2005. The Ambassador chaired the meeting, which was attended by Consular, Pol/Econ, ODC, DAO, ORA, Public Affairs, Management, FSI Arabic language field school, and MEPI representatives. We reviewed the recently disseminated revised procedures [...] |
2005-07-01 15:17:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | KVPR CVIS PTER ASEC PINR CMGT TS |
| 05TUNIS1455 |
ELECTION FOR NEW CHAMBER OF ADVISORS: NO SURPRISES [...] (U) Summary: RCD loyalists won all contested seats in predictable elections on July 3 for the Chamber of Advisors, a second Parliamentary chamber created by a 2002 constitutional amendment. While GOT spokesmen congratulated the country on a substantive step towards democracy, most Tunisians w [...] |
2005-07-01 15:17:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KDEM KMPI TS |
| 05TUNIS1456 |
AMBASSADOR REACHES OUT TO TUNISIA'S SECOND CITY - [...] (U) Summary. Ambassador and Econoff traveled June 27 to Sfax, Tunisia's second largest city and the economic hub, to deliver messages on USG economic and political reform policies, on our latest development under our trade and investment dialogue, and to survey USG assistance to Sfax's high-t [...] |
2005-07-05 14:17:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ECON EINV EAID TS |
| 05TUNIS1458 |
GOT REACTION TO ICANN POLICY; WSIS RELATED ISSUES: [...] THE AMBASSADOR MET WITH GOT MINISTER OF COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES MONTASSAR OUAILI JULY 6 TO DISCUSS THE COMMERCE DEPARTMENT'S RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DECISION TO RETAIN OVERSIGHT AND VETO POWER ON THE INTERNET CORPORATION FOR ASSIGNED NAMES AND NUMBERS (ICANN.) OUAILI WAS LESS CONCERNED [...] |
2005-07-05 14:34:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | KIPR ECON ECPS TS EDRC |
| 05TUNIS1484 |
TUNISIA ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS: JULY 7, 2005 [...] (U) During the Tunisian American Chamber of Commerce's (TACC) recent conference on Free Trade, June 29-30, Tunisian Minister of Commerce Mondher Zenaidi, said that the GOT will continue integration with the world economy to support Tunisia's socio-economic development. Zenaidi noted that an F [...] |
2005-07-07 13:18:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD EFIN EAGR TS ENIV |
| 05TUNIS1495 |
USTR NOVELLI ADVANCES US-TUNISIA TRADE [...] (SBU) Summary. Assistant Trade Representative Catherine Novelli, in Tunis June 14-15 for the second TIFA Council meeting, firmly emphasized to Minister of Development and International Cooperation Jouini that the U.S. wants to expand our free trade community and is working at a modest pace, b [...] |
2005-07-08 06:08:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ETRD TS EFTA |
| 05TUNIS1503 |
BEN ALI CONDEMNS LONDON BOMBINGS [...] (U) All major press July 8 carried President Ben Ali's message to Britain's Queen Elizabeth and PM Blair, in which he "condemned the odious crime" which had resulted in horrible damage and loss of life, and "expressed Tunisia's sympathy for the United Kingdom, the families of the victims and [...] |
2005-07-08 14:22:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER TS |
| 05TUNIS1915 |
TUNISIAN JOURALISTS REACT NEGATIVELY TO NEW FOREIGN MINISTER [...] No summary [...] |
2005-08-31 05:56:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV OIIP TS KPAO PHUM |
| 05TUNIS1934 |
NEW MINISTER OF DEFENSE WELCOMES STRONG BILATERAL [...] No summary [...] |
2005-08-31 12:43:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR PGOV TS |
| 05TUNIS2075 |
JEDDAH LESSONS LEARNED - FOLLOW-UP [...] (S/NF) Ambassador chaired a meeting of Embassy Tunis Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on 09/13/2005 to discuss reftel, Jeddah Lessons Learned. Also present were DCM, RSO, RMAS, PA, MEPI, FSI, MGT, DAO, ODC, MED, P/E. 2. (S/NF) Embassy Tunis EAC reviewed and discussed reftel in detail, con [...] |
2005-09-15 14:30:00 | Embassy Tunis | SECRET//NOFORN | ASEC AMGT |
| 05TUNIS2353 |
GOT SPINS FM ABDALLAH'S VISIT TO WASHINGTON IN THE [...] No summary [...] |
2005-10-21 13:31:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KDEM KPAO EAID PHUM KMPI TS |
| 05TUNIS2418 |
CONTINUED GLOWING TUNISIAN PRESS COVERAGE OF FM [...] The glowing Tunisian press coverage of FM Aballah's visit to the US (detailed in reftel) continued with placements of another article on FM Abdallah's activities in the US in all but one daily newspapers on the weekend of October 22-23. While headlines differed slightly, the text of the accomp [...] |
2005-10-31 15:15:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO PREL PGOV ECON TS |
| 05TUNIS2420 |
FM ABDALLAH CRITIQUES EMBASSY VISITS TO HUNGER [...] (C) Summary: Ambassador met with the Foreign Minister on October 31 to discuss recent visits by the Embassy to the group of eight civil society leaders currently on a hunger strike to protest the lack of freedom of expression and association in Tunisia, and to demand the release of political p [...] |
2005-10-31 16:12:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PHUM TS |
| 05TUNIS2564 |
THE DICHOTOMY OF ISLAM IN TUNISIA [...] (C) SUMMARY. Tunisian religious views cut across a wide spectrum of beliefs and adherence. From atheists to Christians to Muslims to Jews, Tunisians are diverse in their religious views. While Islamic extremists may have enjoyed strong popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, since then [...] |
2005-11-29 13:43:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL TS |
| 05TUNIS2807 |
TUNISIA: UPDATE FROM MINISTER OF DEFENSE [...] (C) The Ambassador December 27 reviewed a number of bilateral defense-related issues with Tunisian Minister of Defense Kamel Morjane, and briefed him on the November EUCOM Mediterranean Ambassador's conference in Stuttgart. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of linking Tunisian funding [...] |
2005-12-27 15:31:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV MARR TS |
| 05TUNIS768 |
TUNISIAN LABOR UPDATE: UGTT SHOWS A MORE [...] (C) Summary. Labor negotiations between labor, private employers, and government take place every three years in Tunisia. The three parties negotiate 51 separate collective bargaining contracts covering Tunisia's entire active work force. Since 1990, Tunisia has had this unique system of un [...] |
2005-03-25 09:15:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PHUM TS |
| 05TUNIS826 |
VISIT TO WIFE OF IMPRISONED LAWYER PROMPTS [...] (C) Summary. At the invitation of university economics professor and PA contact Fedhi Jerbi, Polcouns April 6 visited the wife and family of Mohamad Abbou, the lawyer who was arrested March 1 for writing an online article harshly critical of President Ben Ali and his decision to invite Prime [...] |
2005-04-19 11:16:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM KMPI KDEM KISL TS |
| 05TUNIS839 |
AMBASSADOR,S MEETING WITH THE TUNISIAN MINISTER OF [...] Summary: On April 15, the Ambassador met with Minister of Transportation Abderrahim Zouari, with Robert Jubach of the National Weather Service (NWS), and with Dr. Moncef Rajhi, the Director of the Tunisian National Institute of Meteorology (NIM) to brief him on a workshop NWS and NIM had join [...] |
2005-04-20 15:42:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON KSCA SENV TPHY KMPI TS |
| 05TUNIS840 |
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH HOLDS FIRST PRESS CONFERENCE IN [...] (C) Summary: Two visiting Human Rights Watch (HRW) staffers successfully held a press conference April 20 to release a new HRW report on solitary confinement of Tunisian political prisoners. The 39-page report is based on interviews of political prisoners conditionally released in the Novembe [...] |
2005-04-20 17:03:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV TS |
| 05TUNIS864 |
TUNISIA: MILITARY GRANT ASSISTANCE: LEGAL [...] No summary [...] |
2005-04-26 15:21:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | MASS MARR PGOV KTIA TS |
| 05TUNIS869 |
TUNISIA'S PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR: THE GOT BEGINS TO [...] On April 15, Embassy received a diplomatic note from the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the Ambassador's call on the Minister of Public Health on April 7 to discuss "data exclusivity" concerns under Special 301 review. 2. Post's unofficial translation of the note follows. [...] |
2005-04-27 16:29:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | KIPR ETRD ECON EINV TS |
| 05TUNIS879 |
BEYWATCH: NEWS FROM TUNISIA [...] The following is one of a series of reporting cables drafted predominantly by Post's entry level officers. We believe the different perspectives offered in each of the following paragraphs will (taken together) accurately reflect what we consider to be the country's paradoxical nature -- Tuni [...] |
2005-04-28 13:59:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | SOCI TS |
| 05TUNIS894 |
ICRC REACHES AGREEMENT ON PRISON VISITS WITH GOT [...] (SBU) Summary: After a year of negotiations, the GOT signed an agreement with the ICRC to allow prison visits. This is a highly significant development for the human rights situation in this country. End Summary ICRC Announces Final Agreement On Tunisian Prison Visits --------------------- [...] |
2005-04-29 15:33:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV KMPI KJUS TS ICRC |
| 05TUNIS896 |
GOT RUSHES CONVICTION TO COINCIDE WITH ICRC [...] (C) Summary: A Tunisian court sentenced dissident lawyer Mohamed Abbou to a prison term of three years and six months following his one-day April 28 trial for two charges. Abbou was arrested in early March for publishing on the website/listserve "Tunisnews" an article attacking President Ben [...] |
2005-04-29 17:13:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV KMPI KJUS KDEM TS ICRC WSIS |
| 05TUNIS898 |
FREE TRADE WITH THE U.S.: ARE THE TUNISIANS READY? [...] (SBU) Summary. Booz Allen Hamilton's Emad Tinawi visited Tunis April 4 ) 8, to consult with U.S. Embassy and GOT officials, private sector representatives, and academics on U.S.-Tunisian trade and investment issues. Tinawi's visit, as a private sector consultant to the Department, aimed to a [...] |
2005-05-02 09:38:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV EFIN TS |
| 05TUNIS909 |
BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END USE CHECK ON [...] (SBU) Post has made appropriate inquiries to establish the legitimacy of a transaction for the export of AB205 Bell helicopter spare parts to Tunisia and concludes that it is a legitimate transaction. In addition, the post has investigated concerns regarding the end user, the Tunisian Army, a [...] |
2005-05-02 15:29:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KOMC ETTC TS |
| 05TUNIS944 |
AMB. RAISES CONCERNS ON ABBOU CONVICTION; NEW [...] (C) Summary: The Ambassador reiterated USG concerns about the recent conviction of dissident lawyer Mohamed Abbou to MFA DG Hatem Atallah May 4. Attallah offered a familiar refrain: Abbou broke the law; the GOT is fully committed to democratic reform; Washington should understand that only the [...] |
2005-05-04 15:27:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM KDEM PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS10 |
TRIP TO SOUTHERN TUNISIA: RESIDENTS TOUGH ON U.S. [...] (C) Summary. Poloff and MEPI FSN visited the southern industrial town of Gabes December 19-21 and met with ruling and opposition party leaders, NGOs, and many local residents. All interlocutors were curious, and many skeptical, about the visit of an Embassy official to this oft-overlooked so [...] |
2006-01-03 13:42:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM KMPI KPAO TS |
| 06TUNIS1021 |
HUNGER STRIKE BY TWO TUNISIAN JOURNALISTS NOT A [...] No summary [...] |
2006-05-02 06:21:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KDEM KPAO EAID PHUM KMPI TS |
| 06TUNIS1081 |
REDUCED WORK HOURS FOR WOMEN: ADVANCING WOMEN'S [...] (C) SUMMARY: In March, President Ben Ali announced that his 2004 election proposal to allow women to work for half the hours for two-thirds the pay would be enacted in 2007. (NOTE: It is not yet clear if this proposal will apply to all women in the work force or only nursing mothers. END NOTE. [...] |
2006-05-08 11:25:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | SOCI ELAB PGOV PHUM TS |
| 06TUNIS1099 |
BEN ALI STALWART RUMORED TO HAVE US SUPPORT AS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Since his appointment as Minister of National Defense in August 2005, Kamel Morjane's role in the domestic political scene has been a topic of increasing interest to Tunisian political observers. As Morjane spent much of his career outside of Tunisia working with the UN, few knew [...] |
2006-05-09 13:59:00 | Embassy Tunis | SECRET | PGOV KDEM TS |
| 06TUNIS1155 |
UNION REPORTS INCREASING GOT HARASSMENT [...] (C) SUMMARY: During a May 10 meeting, (UGTT) Assistant Secretary General Mohammed Trabelsi told Laboff the UGTT SIPDIS continues to face GOT interference in its activities. Trabelsi said a senior GOT official (NFI) recently warned UGTT leadership, "if you interfere in our issues, we will in [...] |
2006-05-15 11:31:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB KDEM PGOV TS |
| 06TUNIS1157 |
SCENESETTER FOR DEPUTY SECRETARY'S VISIT TO TUNISIA [...] (C) Embassy Tunis is very pleased to welcome you to Tunisia from May 19-20. As the highest ranking State Department official to visit Tunis since former Secretary Powell in December 2003, you are in an excellent position to reinvigorate with President Ben Ali a bilateral dialogue which focuse [...] |
2006-05-15 13:52:00 | Embassy Tunis | SECRET | OVIP KDEM PGOV PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS12 |
TUNISIA ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS [...] (SBU) Following criticism of Tunisia's freedom of information and internet access during its November 2005 hosting of the World Summit on the Information Society, the Chamber of Deputies is debating plans to privatize Tunisia's master internet service provider (ISP) and sole international inte [...] |
2006-01-03 15:50:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EINV EPET EINT ELAB TS |
| 06TUNIS1204 |
BAR ASSOCIATION LEADS LAWYERS IN SIT-IN [...] (SBU) Summary: The Tunisian Bar Association has led a sit-in, now on its eighth day, in protest of a new law creating a training institute for lawyers which the Bar Association alleges will effectively give control of who enters the Bar to the GOT. There has been a heavy police presence surro [...] |
2006-05-19 14:42:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM KDEM KMPI TS |
| 06TUNIS1220 |
TUNISIA OBSERVES WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY [...] No summary [...] |
2006-05-22 11:56:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KDEM KPAO EAID PHUM KMPI TS |
| 06TUNIS1230 |
Special Media Reaction: DepSec Visit to Tunis [...] (SBU) Summary. Tunisian print and broadcast media positively and prominently covered the May 18 - 19 DepSec Zoellick visit to Tunisia. While both the government and privately-owned press highlighted the DepSec's positive statements on Tunisian modernity and moderation, the private press also [...] |
2006-05-23 12:02:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL KPAO OIIP TS |
| 06TUNIS1238 |
EMBASSY TUNIS ENGAGES TUNISIAN JOURNALISTS ON [...] No summary [...] |
2006-05-23 14:00:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KDEM KPAO EAID PHUM KMPI TS |
| 06TUNIS1239 |
REDUCED WORK HOURS FOR WOMEN: ADVANTAGE OR [...] (C) SUMMARY: In March 2006, President Ben Ali announced that his 2004 election proposal to allow women to work for half the hours for two-thirds the pay would be enacted in 2007. According to press reports, the draft law will apply to women working in the public sector with children under si [...] |
2006-05-23 14:12:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | SOCI ELAB PGOV PHUM TS |
| 06TUNIS1252 |
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY'S MAY 18 MEETING WITH [...] (U) May 18, 2006; 6:00 P.M.; TUNIS, TUNISIA 2. (U) Participants: U.S. ---- The Deputy Secretary Ambassador William Hudson Christine Davies, D Special Assistant Kelly Dillon, D Personal Assistant Aaron Jost, D Special Assistant Michael Matera, D Executive Assistant Richard Mills, D [...] |
2006-05-25 09:24:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ECON KDEM TS |
| 06TUNIS1253 |
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY'S MAY 18 MEETING WITH [...] (U) May 18, 2006; 4:30 P.M.; TUNIS, TUNISIA. 2. (U) Participants: U.S. ---- The Deputy Secretary Ambassador William Hudson Christine Davies, D Special Assistant Kelly Dillon, D Personal Assistant Aaron Jost, D Special Assistant Michael Matera, D Executive Assistant Richard Mills, D S [...] |
2006-05-25 09:29:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KDEM PGOV ECON TS |
| 06TUNIS1254 |
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH TUNISIAN [...] (U) May 19, 2006; 10:00 A.M.; CARTHAGE, TUNISIA. 2. (U) Participants: U.S. ---- The Deputy Secretary Ambassador William Hudson TUNISIA ------- President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali Abdelaziz Ben Dhia, Minister of State, Special Advisor to the President of the Republic Ossama Romdh [...] |
2006-05-25 09:31:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM KMPI KDEM TS |
| 06TUNIS1255 |
DEPUTY SECRETARY'S ROUND TABLE WITH TUNISIAN CIVIL [...] (U) MAY 18, 2006; 2:15 P.M.; TUNIS, TUNISIA. 2. (C) Participants: U.S. ---- The Deputy Secretary Ambassador William Hudson Christine Davies, D Special Assistant Aaron Jost, D Special Assistant Michael Matera, D Executive Assistant Richard Mills, D Senior Advisor Brennan Gilmore, Hu [...] |
2006-05-25 09:33:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM KMPI KPAO KDEM TS |
| 06TUNIS1274 |
DEMARCHE TO NAM/G-77 ON UN REFORM [...] No summary [...] |
2006-05-26 11:41:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL AMGT AORC UNGA TS |
| 06TUNIS1275 |
WEDGWOOD CANDIDACY FOR U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION [...] No summary [...] |
2006-05-26 11:42:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS1276 |
DEMARCHE IN ADVANCE OF NAM MINISTERIAL [...] (S) On May 26, Ambassador delivered reftel demarche on the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial to MFA Director General for the Americas and Asia Ghazi Jomaa. Jomaa said that Deputy Foreign Minister Hatem Ben Salem would be representing Tunisia at the Ministerial and that he would pass the [...] |
2006-05-26 11:42:00 | Embassy Tunis | SECRET//NOFORN | PREL AORC IAEA KNNP UNSC IR TS |
| 06TUNIS1277 |
TUNISIAN SUPPORT FOR IRAQI GOVERNMENT FORMATION [...] No summary [...] |
2006-05-26 11:51:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL KDEM KPAO PGOV IZ TS |
| 06TUNIS1303 |
DEMARCHES DELIVERED: PSI HIGH-LEVEL POLITICAL [...] No summary [...] |
2006-05-30 13:29:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | MNUC KNNP PARM PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS1305 |
JEWISH PILGRIMAGE TO DJERBA: A TUNISIAN SUCCESS [...] (C) Summary: Approximately 3,500 Jewish pilgrims, including reportedly 500 Israeli citizens, descended on the Tunisian island of Djerba for the annual pilgrimage to El Ghriba synagogue on May 15-16, coinciding with the Jewish holiday Lag B'Omer. The pilgrimage took place with no reported prob [...] |
2006-05-30 14:13:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM KPAO TS |
| 06TUNIS1308 |
TUNISIAN HUMAN RIGHTS LEAGUE CONGRESS VIOLENTLY [...] (C) Summary: Tunisian security forces violently blocked a national congress of the Tunisian Human Rights League (LTDH) on May 27. On the eve of the Congress, post and other western diplomatic missions received telephone calls from the MFA and Note Verbales recommending that for safety concern [...] |
2006-05-30 15:11:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM KMPI KPAO KDEM TS |
| 06TUNIS1341 |
TUNISIAN VIEWS ON U.S. STATEMENT ON IRAN [...] (C/NF) On June 1, Ambassador delivered Ref A demarche on the U.S. statement on Iran as well as the English and Arabic texts of the Secretary's statement to Foreign Minister Abdelwaheb Abdallah. Ambassador stressed our desire for Tunisia to issue a public statement supporting our move, GOT en [...] |
2006-06-02 09:58:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PGOV TS |
| 06TUNIS1343 |
ABBAS VISIT TO TUNISIA [...] (C) SUMMARY: On May 30, Palestinian President Abbas began his three day state visit to Tunisia with a meeting with Tunisian President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali. The GOT, ever eager to play its traditional moderate role in the Middle East Peace Process, has focused the visit on its support for [...] |
2006-06-02 12:18:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PGOV TS |
| 06TUNIS1344 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: FOLLOW UP ON NAM STATEMENT ON [...] (C/NF) On June 1, Ambassador delivered reftel demarche on the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial statement on Iran to MFA Secretary of State Hatem Ben Salem. Ben Salem, who represented Tunisia at the Ministerial, agreed that the final statement was unhelpful. He stressed that Tunisia, alo [...] |
2006-06-02 12:18:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL AORC IAEA KNNP UNSC IR TS |
| 06TUNIS1355 |
TUNISIAN STATEMENT ON IRAN [...] No summary [...] |
2006-06-05 12:01:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV TS |
| 06TUNIS1364 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: 2006 TIP REPORT - TUNISIA [...] (C) On June 5, DCM, accompanied by Laboff, delivered Ref B demarche on the 2006 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report to MFA Director for the Americas Fadhel Ayari. Ayari stressed that, to his knowledge and as various Ministries noted during Laboff's TIP-related meetings, there was no traffickin [...] |
2006-06-05 14:38:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM KWMN ELAB SMIG ASEC KFRD KCRM TS |
| 06TUNIS1402 |
SENIOR MOI OFFICIAL REMOVED: SIGN TO HUMAN RIGHTS [...] (C) SUMMARY: On June 5, President Ben Ali unexpectedly announced the dismissal of a senior Ministry of Interior (MOI) official who some believe to be responsible for an uptick in the GOT's harsh repression of Tunisian civil society. As Secretary of State for National Security, Mohamed Ali Gan [...] |
2006-06-08 11:23:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM KDEM ASEC TS |
| 06TUNIS1424 |
TUNISIAN CIVIL SOCIETY URGES SOLIDARITY TO ADVANCE [...] (C) SUMMARY: The recent national congress of the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women provided a unique opportunity for independent Tunisian civil society activists to gather and express their mutual aspirations to further democracy and freedom in Tunisia. More than ten legal and illegal c [...] |
2006-06-12 07:44:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM KDEM PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS1425 |
TUNISIAN HUMAN RIGHTS LEAGUE QUAGMIRE CONTINUES [...] (C) SUMMARY: Recent discussions with individuals involved in the current Tunisian Human Rights League (LTDH) crisis (Ref C) indicate GOT repression of the group's activities is likely to continue indefinitely. Despite recent EU efforts to engage the GOT (Ref B), there is no sign the LTDH's di [...] |
2006-06-12 07:46:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM KDEM PREL PGOV TS |
| 06TUNIS1428 |
GOT ISLAMIC CREDENTIALS UNDER ATTACK [...] (C) SUMMARY: A series of allegations and rumors that the GOT is violating basic Islamic principles have spread throughout Tunisia this spring, forcing the government to take aggressive action to prove its Islamic bona fides. In June, a human rights group alleged that prison officials had dese [...] |
2006-06-12 12:11:00 | Embassy Tunis | SECRET | SOCI KDEM PGOV PTER TS |
| 06TUNIS1429 |
AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK: ANNUAL STAFFING, [...] No summary [...] |
2006-06-12 12:37:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC APER ECON TS |
| 06TUNIS1433 |
OFFICIAL INFORMAL: ABMC NORTH AFRICA [...] No summary [...] |
2006-06-13 09:47:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | SCUL KPAO MARR OEXC TS |
| 06TUNIS1493 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: OIC MINISTERIAL MEETING [...] No summary [...] |
2006-06-16 09:32:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL IR TS |
| 06TUNIS1494 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: BUILDING SUPPORT FOR GUATEMALA [...] No summary [...] |
2006-06-16 09:32:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL UNSC GT VE TS |
| 06TUNIS1565 |
EU PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION ON LACK OF HUMAN RIGHTS [...] (C//NF) Summary: A June 15 resolution by the European Parliament noted continuing concern about the human rights situation in Tunisia in light of the Euro-Mediterannean Agreement and numerous discussions tying a strong EU-Tunisia relationship to the promotion of human rights and democracy. Eur [...] |
2006-06-22 13:45:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PGOV PHUM KMPI TS |
| 06TUNIS1598 |
AMBASSADOR'S FAREWELL CALL WITH MINITER OF DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION [...] (U) Summary: Ambassador Hudson paid a farewel call on Minister of Development and Internationl Cooperation (MDIC) Mohamed Nouri Jouini on Jun 20, 2006. The Ambassador delivered a letter frm USTR concerning a proposed June 30, 2006 meetin between the minister and AUSTR Donnelly (SEPTEL. The di [...] |
2006-06-27 13:17:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EFIN TS |
| 06TUNIS1599 |
USTR TIFA LETTER DELIVERED TO MDIC [...] (SBU) Summary: Ambassador Hudson paid a farewell call on Minister of Development and International Cooperation (MDIC) Mohamed Nouri Jouini on June 20, 2006. The Ambassador delivered a letter from USTR concerning a proposed June 30, 2006 meeting between the minister and Assistant United States [...] |
2006-06-27 13:24:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ETRD KTIA TS |
| 06TUNIS1603 |
COM USAFE AND MINISTER OF DEFENSE DISCUSS SOFA, [...] (C) SUMMARY. During his June 25-26 visit, the Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe General William Hobbins met with Tunisian Minister of National Defense Kamal Morjane to discuss bilateral military relations. Morjane said the Ministry of Defense had provided the MFA with a draft response on [...] |
2006-06-27 13:46:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR PREL KMIG TS |
| 06TUNIS1621 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: BUILDING SUPPORT FOR GUATEMALA [...] (C/NF) On June 28, NEA DAS Gordon Gray, accompanied by Ambassador, raised reftel demarche on supporting Guatemala's UNSC candidacy during a meeting with Tunisian Deputy Foreign Minister for the Americas and Asia Saida Chtioui. Chtioui said that it will not be difficult for Tunisia to follow th [...] |
2006-06-29 10:40:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL UNSC UNGA GT VE TS |
| 06TUNIS1622 |
CORRUPTION IN TUNISIA PART I: AN ECONOMIC SUCCESS? [...] No summary [...] |
2006-06-29 10:57:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ECON PGOV EFIN ETRD EINV TS |
| 06TUNIS1630 |
CORRUPTION IN TUNISIA PART II: THE ANATOMY OF EXPLOITATION [...] No summary [...] |
2006-06-29 13:06:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL ECON PGOV EFIN ETRD EINV TS |
| 06TUNIS1641 |
MGGZ01: TUNISIA CALLS FOR RESUMPTION OF DIALOGUE [...] (SBU) On June 29, Tunisia released an official statement related to the latest Israeli-Palestinian developments, reiterating its call for "resumption of dialogue and implementation of the Roadmap." Also on June 29, in a speech to newly arrived ambassadors, President Ben Ali stressed the need [...] |
2006-06-30 13:27:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL KPAL TS |
| 06TUNIS1642 |
AMBASSADOR'S FAREWELL CALL WITH MINISTER OF DEFENSE [...] (C/NF) SUMMARY: Ambassador's farewell call on Minister of Defense Morjane was marked by mutual appreciation for the strong bilateral military relationship and guarantees of its continuation. Morjane shared his views on the broader bilateral relationship, specifically political reform. Morjane [...] |
2006-06-30 13:27:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL MARR PGOV KDEM TS |
| 06TUNIS1650 |
FREEDOM AGENDA QUARTERLY REPORT [...] (C) SUMMARY: The one year anniversary of our Freedom Agenda was marked by increased USG engagement and continued GOT stagnation on political reform. This quarter, post continued its active engagement of the GOT, which was reinforced by Deputy Secretary Zoellick during his May visit and the vi [...] |
2006-07-03 09:49:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KDEM PGOV KMPI KPAO TS |
| 06TUNIS1658 |
SAMIA ABBOU: GOT PRESSURE LESS SINCE GANZOUI'S [...] (C) Summary: In a June 30 meeting, Samia Abbou, wife of jailed lawyer/writer Mohamed Abbou, told Poloff that GOT harassment of her and her family had diminished following the removal of Mohamed Ali Ganzoui as Interior Ministry Secretary of State of National Security on June 5. However, she c [...] |
2006-07-03 13:02:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM KMPI KPAO KDEM TS |
| 06TUNIS1661 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: ENGAGING MED DIALOGUE COUNTRIES [...] No summary [...] |
2006-07-03 13:21:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL NATO MARR TS |
| 06TUNIS1672 |
CORRUPTION IN TUNISIA PART IV: THE FAMILY'S HOLDINGS [...] No summary [...] |
2006-07-05 12:26:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV PREL ECON TS |
| 06TUNIS1673 |
CORRUPTION IN TUNISIA PART III: POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS [...] No summary [...] |
2006-07-05 12:27:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL ECON PGOV EFIN ETRD EINV KDEM TS |
| 06TUNIS1674 |
ARAB SECURITY OFFICIALS DISCUSS PRISON [...] (C) SUMMARY: According to press reports, during a recent preparatory meeting for an upcoming Arab Interior Ministers meeting, Arab prison, judicial and security officials discussed plans to increase prison privatization. The discussions covered the full or partial participation of the private [...] |
2006-07-05 12:27:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV ECON TS |
| 06TUNIS1675 |
DAS GRAY ENGAGES MFA ON SUDAN, UN REFORM [...] (C) During his June 28 meeting with Tunisian Deputy Foreign Minister for the Americas and Asia Saida Chtioui, NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary Gordon Gray, accompanied by Ambassador, raised reftel demarche on the transition of AMIS to a United Nations peacekeeping operation (PKO) in Darfur. Chti [...] |
2006-07-05 12:56:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL MARR KPKO PINS SOCI SU TS |
| 06TUNIS1676 |
DAS GRAY MEETING WITH EUROPEAN COMMISSION [...] (C//NF) SUMMARY. During his June 27-28 visit, NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary Gordon Gray met with representatives of the European Commission (EC) to discuss collaboration on human rights and democracy reform in Tunisia. EC reps noted difficulty in formal collaboration due to the heavy bureauc [...] |
2006-07-05 13:03:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PGOV PHUM KMPI KPAO KDEM TS |
| 06TUNIS1694 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: RESPONSE TO NORTH KOREAN [...] No summary [...] |
2006-07-06 13:13:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL KN PARM KNNP TS |
| 06TUNIS1702 |
DAS GRAY MEETING WITH TUNISIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN [...] (C//NF) SUMMARY. During his June 27-28 visit, NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary Gordon Gray met with Deputy Foreign Minister for the Americas and Asia, Saida Chtioui, to discuss the USG position on Libya, Tunisian relations with Iran, USG support for Guatemala for the Latin American Security Counc [...] |
2006-07-06 13:48:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL KPAO PGOV PHUM SMIG MARR TS |
| 06TUNIS1741 |
TUNISIA ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS [...] This cable contains highlights of recent economic developments in the following areas: A. IPR Enforcement Strengthened B. Pending bounced check legislation C. Rising oil prices affecting balance of trade D. Oil transport contract with Algeria via pipeline E. UAE investments in Tunisia [...] |
2006-07-12 08:08:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV ENRG ETRD ELAB KIPR TS |
| 06TUNIS1761 |
GOT REQUESTS EXCHANGE OF SUPPORT FOR UN HUMAN [...] This is an action request. Post received a dipnote from MFA June 12 seeking an exchange of support for Tunisian candidate to the UN Human Rights Committee Abdelfattah Amor and US candidate Prof. Ruth Wedgwood. Post seeks Department guidance in responding to this request. 2. Relevant text [...] |
2006-07-12 14:34:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PHUM UNHRC TS |
| 06TUNIS1776 |
RESHUFFLE OF GOVERNORS [...] (U) In a routine reshuffle announced in all daily newspapers on July 10, six governors moved from one governorate to another, two were appointed for the first time, and one, Ali Ksiki, was "called to other (unspecified) duties." Governorship changes were as follows: Name Former [...] |
2006-07-14 06:29:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS1785 |
TUNISIA RESPONDS FAVORABLY TO SAUDI STATEMENT; [...] (C) In his July 14 farewell call on Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Hatem Ben Salem, Ambassador provided a copy of the Saudi statement on the situation in Palestine and Lebanon (ref A). Upon reading the informal English translation, Ben Salem expressed surprise at the "new" Saudi posit [...] |
2006-07-14 09:37:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KPAL IS TS UN |
| 06TUNIS1816 |
EUROMED ECONFIN MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE JUNE 25-26, [...] (SBU) Summary and Comment: On June 25-26, 2006, economic and finance ministers (ECOFIN) of the 35 countries of the Euromed zone met in Gammarth, Tunisia to discuss the future of the European Investment Bank's (EIB) Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP) and the poss [...] |
2006-07-18 09:49:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ETRD EU TS |
| 06TUNIS1817 |
TUNIS-BASED PLO FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER SLAMS [...] (C) Summary and Comment: PLO Foreign Affairs Minister Farouk Qaddoumi on July 12 convened representatives of the Americas for a rambling briefing, delivered in English, entitled, "The Latest Developments in Palestine, especially with the Current Israeli Occupation Forces Military Attacks on t [...] |
2006-07-18 10:51:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | KPAL PREL TU |
| 06TUNIS1818 |
IPR PROTECTION IN TUNISIA [...] SUMMARY: Tunisia has taken significant steps to strengthen its intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement throughout 2005 and 2006. There has been a noted change in attitude towards IPR among Tunisian officials, legal experts, and businesses. They now consider IPR not only as a legal t [...] |
2006-07-19 05:28:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | KIPR ETRD ECON TS |
| 06TUNIS1835 |
AMBASSADOR'S FAREWELL CALL WITH MINISTER OF [...] (S) On 17 July 2006, Ambassador met with the Tunisian Minister of Interior Bel Haj Kacem in his office for a 30 minute farewell call. The meeting was also attended by the MOI's Deputy to the Special Assistant on International Relations and COS and was cordial in nature. 2. (S) Ambassador r [...] |
2006-07-19 12:58:00 | Embassy Tunis | SECRET//NOFORN | PGOV PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS1847 |
TFLE01: TUNISIAN FOREIGN MINISTER EXPRESSES [...] (C) In a July 18 farewell call by the Ambassador, Foreign Minister Abdallah expressed concern about the "grave" humanitarian situation in Lebanon, noting his impression that the violence was not going to end soon. As a jurist, he said, he was "shocked" that an armed group could be allowed to [...] |
2006-07-19 14:30:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PHUM LE IS TU |
| 06TUNIS1851 |
PARTING THOUGHT FROM THE AMBASSADOR ON MEPI [...] (C/NF) I would like to share what I hope will be some impressions on the MEPI program in the hope that they might be useful to others as this program evolves. Since my arrival at post, our number one MPP priority has been support for greater democracy and human rights in Tunisia, and our post [...] |
2006-07-20 12:09:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV KMPI TS |
| 06TUNIS1922 |
ANATOMY OF THE MOST POPULAR TUNISIAN NEWSPAPER: [...] (S) Summary: With a circulation of 80,000, Ash Shourouq is Tunisia,s most widely read, most anti-American, and most irresponsible Arabic language daily newspaper. Nominally private, Ash Shourouq receives direct editorial input from GOT officials in both the presidential palace and the MFA. [...] |
2006-07-28 13:16:00 | Embassy Tunis | SECRET | PREL PGOV KPAO TS |
| 06TUNIS1924 |
TFLE01: TUNISIAN REACTION TO EVENTS IN LEBANON AND [...] (C) Summary: Since the beginning of the current Lebanon/Israel/Gaza crisis, the GOT has stood firmly in support of its "Palestinian and Lebanese brothers", releasing statements of support, sponsoring press articles critical of Israel, and in demonstration-free Tunisia, sanctioning and partici [...] |
2006-07-28 14:31:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV KPAO TS |
| 06TUNIS1939 |
TFLE01: GOT DECLARES THREE DAYS OF MOURNING OVER [...] No summary [...] |
2006-08-01 11:29:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | TS KPAO PREL PGOV |
| 06TUNIS1943 |
TFLE01: LEBANESE PARLIAMENT LEADER HARIRI VISITS [...] No summary [...] |
2006-08-01 13:42:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL KPAO TS |
| 06TUNIS1946 |
TUNISIA ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS [...] (U) This cable contains highlights of recent economic developments in Tunisia in the following areas: A. Prime Minister Discusses Recent Economic Reforms B. Adoption of New Economic Laws C. National Strategy for a Digital Economy D. Tunisia Ratifies International Sugar Agreement E. Whe [...] |
2006-08-01 15:01:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ETRD EAGR TS |
| 06TUNIS1967 |
TUNISIA: GOT REQUESTS USG SUPPORT FOR CANDIDATE TO [...] This is an action request. On August 2, Embassy received a diplomatic note from the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting support for Tunisian candidate Professor Hatem Kotrane for reelection as a member of the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child during elections in New York i [...] |
2006-08-03 08:02:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PHUM UNHRC TS |
| 06TUNIS1988 |
TFLE01: SITREP ON TUNISIAN SOLIDARITY WITH [...] (C) Summary. Media reports and anecdotal information from the past week suggest that Tunisians increasingly are viewing Hizballah as the underdog freedom fighter successfully standing up against the Israeli bully. The Qana attack stoked a round of news-driven anger against Israel. U.S. supp [...] |
2006-08-04 14:46:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV KPAO TS |
| 06TUNIS2026 |
ABBAS MEETING WITH PRESIDENT BEN ALI [...] On August 9, all Tunisian newspapers carried an official GOT press agency report of a meeting between visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Tunisian President Ben Ali. Abbas visited Tunisia August 7 - 8. According to the report, the two discussed the situation in the Palestinian t [...] |
2006-08-09 13:33:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV TS |
| 06TUNIS2036 |
TUNISIAN CENTRAL BANK RELEASES 2006 PRELIMINARY [...] SUMMARY: On July 24, the Tunisian Central Bank released preliminary figures of the country's macroeconomic performance for the first half of 2006 after a meeting of the Bank's Executive Board. The Bank discussed Tunisia's industrial and services output, monetary policy and inflation concerns, [...] |
2006-08-10 08:01:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN ETRD ELAB TS |
| 06TUNIS208 |
TIFA UPDATE: MINISTER JOUINI EXPRESSES HOPE TO U/S [...] (SBU) Summary. Treasury Under Secretary Timothy Adams' January 30 meeting with Development Minister Jouini discussed ways to move forward our Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) process in 2006. Ambassador noted the Ministry's feedback on USTR discussion papers, which spotlighted [...] |
2006-02-02 10:57:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EFTA ETRD TS |
| 06TUNIS2084 |
TFLE01: TUNISIAN REACTION TO LEBANON/ISRAEL/GAZA [...] (C) Summary: The general Tunisian public perception of current events in Lebanon and Gaza, fueled by local and pan-Arab media, is that the U.S. is offering unlimited support to Israeli "aggression." A broad range of Tunisian contacts, who share this perception, tell us that this is consequent [...] |
2006-08-11 14:23:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM KMPI KPAO ASEC TS |
| 06TUNIS2085 |
DEMARCHE ON UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION ON [...] No summary [...] |
2006-08-12 11:33:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PTER MOPS UN UNSC IS LE TU |
| 06TUNIS2111 |
LEBANON: TUNISIA WELCOMES UNSCR 1701; CALLS FOR [...] (C) Summary: The GOT has officially welcomed UNSCR 1701 on Lebanon, releasing a statement expressing its "great satisfaction" with the resolution, which it characterized as a "first step" to the return to peaceful efforts in the search for a negotiated solution. President Ben Ali on August 1 [...] |
2006-08-16 13:54:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER MOPS UN UNSC IS LE TS |
| 06TUNIS2140 |
SUBJECT: NOTIFICATION DEMARCHE DELIVERED: TUNISIA [...] ON AUGUST 7, ECONOFF DELIVERED REVISED DEMARCHE POINTS TO AMOR TOUMI, THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH'S (MOH) DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE NATIONAL LABORATORY FOR THE CONTROL OF MEDICATIONS. DEMARCHE POINTS WERE ALSO DELIVERED ON AUGUST 11, TO THE MINISTRY'S DIRECTOR GENERAL OF HEALTH, MR. NOUREDDIN [...] |
2006-08-18 11:50:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD KIPR TS |
| 06TUNIS2141 |
A GROWING TUNISIAN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY TREADS [...] (C//NOFORN) Summary: In recent interviews with Poloff, Tunisian and expatriate Christian leaders and Tunisian Christian converts described a steadily growing Tunisian Christian movement, in spite of prevalent social stigmas associated with Christianity. Through Christian TV and radio, mission [...] |
2006-08-18 11:55:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV PHUM TS |
| 06TUNIS2144 |
TUNISIANS PROUD OF "ISRAELI DEFEAT", BUT MANY [...] (C) Summary: With the passage of UNSCR 1701 and the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon and Israel, the tense mood amongst many Tunisians, palpable during the active fighting, has largely abated. Tunisian newspapers proclaimed victory for Hizballah, and editorials spoke of the hope "the Hizb [...] |
2006-08-18 14:31:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL KPAO PHUM TS |
| 06TUNIS2148 |
RSVP: EXTRANCHECK: POST-SHIPMENT VERIFICATION; IGL [...] Reftel requests verification of computer parts and accessories shipped to ultimate consignee: IGL Industries, route de Gabes, km8 Sfax, Tunisia. Liscense code for these products is C33 NLR. In order to arrange the on-site verification visit, commercial specialist faxed parts information and [...] |
2006-08-18 15:02:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | BEXP ETRD ETTC TS |
| 06TUNIS2155 |
MODERATE ISLAMISTS SEEK DIALOGUE WITH U.S. ON [...] (C) Summary: In a meeting hosted in Tunis by Washington-based Center for Islam and Democracy President Radwan Masmoudi, several self-described "moderate Islamists", including a founding member of the banned Tunisian Islamist party An-Nahdha, sought out Embassy officials to "reopen a dialogue" [...] |
2006-08-21 08:04:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PGOV PHUM TS |
| 06TUNIS2170 |
Beywatch: Are You Really American? [...] The following is one of a series of reporting cables drafted by Post's entry level officers, which have the "Beywatch" caption. We believe the perspectives offered in the following vignette will give the reader a look into everyday life in Tunisia that may not be central to more formal repor [...] |
2006-08-21 09:33:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | SOCI SCUL ECON TS |
| 06TUNIS2173 |
TUNISIA ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS: JULY - AUGUST 14 [...] (U) This cable contains highlights of recent economic developments in Tunisia on the following topics: A. Minimum Wage Increase B. Tunisian and Mauritanian Central Banks to Cooperate C. Arab Fund for Development Finances Tunisian Power Plant D. GOT to Liberalize the Cereal Sector E. GO [...] |
2006-08-21 11:13:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ETRD ELAB TS |
| 06TUNIS2175 |
Beywatch: Where Men can be Men: Cafes in Tunisia [...] The following is one of a series of reporting cables drafted by Post's entry level officers, which have the "Beywatch" caption. We believe the perspectives offered in the following vignette will give the reader a sense of everyday life in Tunisia that may not be central to more formal repor [...] |
2006-08-21 12:31:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | SOCI TS |
| 06TUNIS2178 |
TUNISIA CONFIRMS THAT IT HAS FINANCIAL CLAIMS [...] No summary [...] |
2006-08-21 14:44:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL EAIR IZ TS |
| 06TUNIS2227 |
TUNISIANS CONTINUE TO BE SEIZED BY EVENTS IN [...] (C) Summary: Events in Lebanon continue to dominate Tunisian newspaper headlines and cafe conversations, although less so than in previous weeks. The GOT announced delivery of humanitarian aid to Lebanon. Newspapers accused Israel of jeopardizing the cease-fire. Civil society contacts contin [...] |
2006-08-25 14:33:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PHUM KMPI KPAO TS |
| 06TUNIS223 |
ARAB INTERIOR MINISTERS JANUARY 30-31 MEETING [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. The 23rd session of the Arab League Interior Ministers took place in Tunisia on January 30 and 31. According to press reports, ministers examined the security situations in Arab countries and discussed ways of combating terrorism, extremism, violence and organized crimes. Par [...] |
2006-02-03 13:58:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ASEC PTER TS |
| 06TUNIS2237 |
IS PRESIDENT BEN ALI CLINICALLY DEPRESSED? [...] (S/NF) The state of President Ben Ali,s health has long been a topic of conversation in Tunisia, both among diplomats and in society at large. Reftels reported on President Ben Ali's reported prostate cancer, for which he has sought treatment in Germany and Italy, along with the potential pol [...] |
2006-08-29 07:09:00 | Embassy Tunis | SECRET//NOFORN | PGOV PINR TN |
| 06TUNIS224 |
MOVEMENT OF 18 OCTOBER COMPLAINS OF GOT ABUSE, [...] (C) Summary: The Committee of 18 October, an alliance of disparate opposition political groups and activists which grew out of the Movement of 18 October hunger strike (ref a), reported that plainclothes police "violently" blocked a committee meeting in Tunis on January 24. The following day, [...] |
2006-02-03 14:29:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV KPAO KMPI TS |
| 06TUNIS2259 |
ANTI-U.S. INCITEMENT: ONE TUNISIAN IMAM [...] (C/NF) The imam of the main mosque in the town of Oued Ellil allegedly included severe anti-U.S. rhetoric in the course of August 18 Friday prayers. The imam is reported to have condemned the U.S. for its role in the recent fighting in Lebanon and called on Allah to "eliminate" President Bush [...] |
2006-08-31 11:23:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL KPAO TN |
| 06TUNIS227 |
SIGNS OF INCREASED PRESS FREEDOM, BUT TUNISIAN [...] No summary [...] |
2006-02-03 14:40:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KDEM KPAO EAID PHUM KMPI TS |
| 06TUNIS2287 |
TUNISIA NOT INTERESTED IN MCA [...] (SBU) In reponse to Embassy reminders for financial data for Millennium Challenge Account selection, the Government of Tunisia has declined to submit the required information, thereby withdrawing Tunisia from consideration for MCA funding. In a meeting with EconOff, MFA Deputy Director for th [...] |
2006-09-05 11:25:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN EAID KMCA TS |
| 06TUNIS2292 |
TUNISIA AND THE U.S.-MENA PRIVATE SECTOR DIALOGUE [...] (SBU) Summary: Post has provided contact information on bank associations in Tunisia (ref A). In addition, EconOff met with Mr. Amor Saafi, Managing Director of the Association Professionnelle Tunisienne des Banques et des Establissements Financiers (APTBEF) - the other bank association provi [...] |
2006-09-06 07:34:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ETTC PREL PTER KTFN TS |
| 06TUNIS2298 |
AN-NAHDHA LEADER JEBALI: MODERATE ISLAMISM IS THE [...] (C/NF) Summary: In an August 30 meeting, Hamadi Jebali, a former leader of the unauthorized Tunisian Islamist political party An-Nahdha, described the party's political views, continued GOT oppression, his recent release from prison, and defended "moderate Islamism" as the political future of [...] |
2006-09-06 12:24:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV PREL PTER TS |
| 06TUNIS2299 |
LAW ADOPTED ON REDUCED HOURS FOR WOMEN [...] (U) SUMMARY: On July 18, the Tunisian Chamber of Deputies adopted a law that will allow some female employees to work part-time while still receiving two-thirds of their original salary. While the GOT states the law was motivated by a desire to allow Tunisians to balance family and professiona [...] |
2006-09-06 14:28:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PGOV PHUM SOCI TS |
| 06TUNIS2303 |
TUNISIA ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS: AUGUST 15 - August 31 [...] (U) This cable contains highlights of recent economic developments in Tunisia on the following topics: A. Central Bank Figures Show Climbing Inflation B. Tunisian Olive Oil Exports Fall Below GOT's Expectations C. Tunisia and Libya Continue Dialogue on Trade, Tourism D. Tunisia to Increa [...] |
2006-09-07 07:25:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ETRD ELAB EAIR TS |
| 06TUNIS2321 |
SCENESETTER FOR VISIT OF BUSINESS EXECUTIVES FOR [...] (SBU) Embassy Tunis warmly welcomes the Business Executives for National Security (BENS) delegation's September 13-14 2006 visit to Tunisia. This cable provides a brief overview of the political situation in Tunisia, as well as a summary of the business climate. -------------------------- [...] |
2006-09-08 11:45:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SOCI PREL PGOV PHUM PINR PTER ASEC ECON TS |
| 06TUNIS2329 |
BEN GUERDANE'S "LIBYAN SOUK": CHEAP GOODS, BIG [...] (SBU) Summary: In the "Libyan souk" of Ben Guerdane, a town 30 kilometers from the Tunisian-Libyan border, Tunisians can pay bargain prices for questionably imported, often counterfeited goods from Libya. Although the GOT asserts that it is committed to intellectual property right protection [...] |
2006-09-11 09:26:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD KIPR LY TS |
| 06TUNIS2408 |
TUNISIA: INTERFERENCE IN USG ACTIVITIES ON RISE; [...] (C) Summary. Embassy personnel are increasingly subject to GOT interference in their meetings and activities, the result of a culture of paranoia about dealing with foreign governments that appears to have spilled over from the MOI. While the phenomenon itself is not new, or targeted only at [...] |
2006-09-20 13:37:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM TS |
| 06TUNIS2414 |
ZARZIS FREE TRADE ZONE DISAPPOINTED BY LACK OF [...] (SBU) Summary: Ten years after its opening, the Zarzis free trade zone, located in Southeastern Tunisia, has failed to create the foreign investment and job promotion intended, despite generous incentives offered by the GOT. In a meeting with EconOff, newly-designated Director General for the [...] |
2006-09-21 10:42:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV ETRD BEXP LY TS |
| 06TUNIS2418 |
TUNISIA ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS: SEPTEMBER 1 - 15 [...] (U) This cable contains highlights of recent economic developments in Tunisia on the following topics: A. Unemployment Holds Steady at 14.2 Percent B. Tunisia and Morocco Continue Dialogue on Cooperation C. Emirates Lands in Tunisia D. Italy's Benetton Invests in Tunisian Textiles E. T [...] |
2006-09-21 12:13:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD ELAB EAIR EINT ECPS KTEX TS |
| 06TUNIS2424 |
MICROSOFT INKS AGREEMENT WITH GOT [...] (SBU) Summary: During the Microsoft Government Leaders Forum in South Africa July 11-12, the GOT and the Microsoft Corporation signed a partnership agreement that provides for Microsoft investment in training, research, and development, but also commits the GOT to using licensed Microsoft soft [...] |
2006-09-22 10:44:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON TINT KIPR ECPS TS |
| 06TUNIS2464 |
TUNISIAN TEXTILE SECTOR ADAPTS TO POST-QUOTA [...] (U) Summary: This is the first of a two-part series on the Tunisian textile sector. Part one addresses the impact of the end of the Multifiber Agreement on production and exports, as well as the sector's strategy for future competitiveness. After the end of the quota regime that existed unde [...] |
2006-09-29 14:57:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ELAB ETRD BEXP KTEX TS |
| 06TUNIS2465 |
TUNISIAN TEXTILE WORKERS FACE UNCERTAIN FUTURE [...] (U) Summary: This is the second of a two-part series on the Tunisian textile sector. This cable addresses the impact of the end of the Multifiber Agreement on workers. While textile organizations and manufacturers viewed 2005 results as better than expected, the reality has been bleaker for [...] |
2006-09-29 14:58:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ELAB ETRD BEXP KTEX TS |
| 06TUNIS2480 |
EU MOVES -- SLOWLY -- AFTER BLOCKED LABOR [...] (C) Summary. In early September, the GOT blocked a prominent international NGO conference on labor and employment issues, ostensibly because the organizers had not given the GOT advance notification. Privately, GOT officials made clear to the organizers, who included European NGOs, a Spanis [...] |
2006-10-03 07:43:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL EU TS |
| 06TUNIS2482 |
U.S.-EU COORDINATION ON TUNISIA: SHARED [...] (C/NF) Summary. In a September 27 meeting with Charge and Pol/EconCouns, European counterparts provided an update on the current EU thinking regarding Tunisia. There is a lack of EU consensus on approaching the GOT about blocked internet sites; that said, the EU may be interested in joint pri [...] |
2006-10-03 10:21:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL TS EU |
| 06TUNIS2492 |
HIV/AIDS AND THE GLOBAL FUND: EMBASSY TUNIS [...] (U) Per reftel, an interagency committee, comprised of participants from the Health Unit, Public Affairs, the Political and Economic Section, and DOD's Office of Defense Cooperation reviewed the GOT submission to the Global Fund. The following comments are keyed to reftel para 8 questions: [...] |
2006-10-04 09:17:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID KHIV SOCI TBIO TS |
| 06TUNIS2501 |
EMBASSY OFFICERS BLOCKED FROM MEETING HUMAN RIGHTS [...] (C) Summary and Action Request: Embassy officers traveled to the northern city of Bizerte on October 5 to meet with the local chapter of the Tunisian Human Rights League (LTDH). Approximately seventeen plain-clothes police physically barred Emboffs from entering the LTDH compound, which is als [...] |
2006-10-05 17:57:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL KPAO TS |
| 06TUNIS252 |
BEN ALI'S NEW YEAR'S SPEECH TO DIPLOMATIC CORPS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: On February 2, Ambassador, along with the entire resident and non-resident Diplomatic Corps, was invited to present New Year's greetings to President Ben Ali. In addition to personally greeting all ambassadors, Ben Ali delivered a speech outlining GOT political priorities. The [...] |
2006-02-06 15:08:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KDEM PGOV PINR TS |
| 06TUNIS2527 |
TUNISIAN HUMAN RIGHTS LEAGUE ISSUES [...] The Bizerte Chapter of the Tunisian Human Rights League (LTDH) on October 6 issued a communique protesting the forcible blocking by plain-clothes police of a meeting the previous day between U.S. Embassy officials and members of the Bizerte LTDH branch (reftel). An informal English translatio [...] |
2006-10-11 09:22:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PREL KPAO TS |
| 06TUNIS2534 |
HACKERS BREAK THE CODE TO AL-JAZEERA SPORTS CHANNEL [...] According to an As-Sabah Al-Ousboui newspaper article published September 25, 2006, Tunisian hackers have been able to break the encryption code for Al-Jazeera Sports Channel and are now selling bootleg access cards at cut-rate prices. The article tells its readers where they can go to procure [...] |
2006-10-11 13:52:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD KIPR AG FR MO TC UK TS |
| 06TUNIS2538 |
TUNISIA OUTRANKS U.S. IN COMPETITIVENESS, SAYS [...] (SBU) The Government of Tunisia is gloating over its ranking in the 2006 Global Competitiveness Report released by the World Economic Forum (WEF) on September 26th. Classified as the 30th most competitive country in the world and first among African and Middle East countries, Tunisia advanced [...] |
2006-10-11 15:06:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN ELAB ETRD TC UK MO TS |
| 06TUNIS2539 |
TUNISIAN EXPATS MAKE ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE HOME [...] (U) Summary: Each summer thousands of Tunisian expatriates return on ferry boats from Europe to visit family, attend weddings, and spend their vacations. The ferry returnees are largely working class Tunisians, who moved to Europe in search of employment and a chance to improve their social s [...] |
2006-10-12 09:45:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV ETRD ECON ELAB SMIG LY TS |
| 06TUNIS2565 |
TUNISIAN GOVERNMENT CRACKS DOWN ON HIJAB [...] (C) Summary: By all accounts, the number of women wearing the hijab or adopting some Islamic-inspired headdress in Tunisia has skyrocketed in recent years. In response, the GOT's periodic campaign of words and actions against Tunisian women wearing the hijab has increased in intensity. A 198 [...] |
2006-10-13 15:17:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL KPAO TS |
| 06TUNIS257 |
AMBASSADOR AND FM DISCUSS PALESTINIAN ELECTIONS, [...] (C) Summary: In a wide-ranging conversation at the MFA on February 6, Ambassador and Minister Abdelwaheb Abdallah discussed the Palestinian elections and future of the peace process, Iran,s nuclear ambitions, the status of SOFA negotiations, prospects for Maghreb unity, freedom of the press [...] |
2006-02-06 15:57:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PARM PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS2570 |
SUHA ARAFAT ACQUIRES TUNISIAN NATIONALITY [...] (SBU) The Government of Tunisia's Official Journal of September 26 published a notice that Suha Arafat, wife of the late Palestinian Authority president, and her 11-year old daughter Zahwa had acquired Tunisian nationality. Mrs. Arafat and her daughter have been living in Tunisia since the 2004 dea [...] |
2006-10-17 06:41:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KPAL TS |
| 06TUNIS2585 |
TUNISIA INSTRUCTS UN MISSION TO SUPPORT GUATEMALA [...] (C/NF) Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chef de Cabinet Hatem Atallah on October 17 convoked Charge for a one-on-one meeting to give his assurances that the GOT had instructed its UN Mission in New York to vote for Guatemala for the UNSC seat. "Don't believe anything you hear otherwise," Atallah m [...] |
2006-10-17 15:03:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL UNSC GT VE AL TS |
| 06TUNIS2586 |
TUNISIAN INTERFERENCE IN U.S. EMBASSY ACTIVITIES: [...] (C/NF) Summary. According to Foreign Minister Abdallah's Chef de Cabinet, recent charges of GOT interference in Embassy activities were either baseless fabrications or the result of a misinterpretation of events by Post. Alternating between feigning shock, surprise, anger, and hurt, Atallah [...] |
2006-10-17 15:10:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PGOV PHUM TS |
| 06TUNIS2598 |
TUNISIA ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS: SEPT. 16 - OCT. 15 [...] (U) This cable contains highlights of recent economic developments in Tunisia on the following topics: A. Trade Balance Continues to Deteriorate B. Emirates Bukhatir to Build 5 Billion USD "Sports City" C. Emirati DIG Increases Stake in Karthago Airlines D. Legal Retirement Age to Be Rai [...] |
2006-10-20 08:20:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD ELAB EAGR EFIN EINV EAIR KPRV TS |
| 06TUNIS2639 |
TUNISIAN EMBASSY IN QATAR CLOSED TO PROTEST [...] (C) SUMMARY. On October 25, the Tunisian MFA announced the closure of Tunisia's embassy in Qatar, citing al-Jazeera's lack of objectivity. The announcement followed numerous international media reports that Tunisia had withdrawn its ambassador in protest over al-Jazeera coverage of Tunisian d [...] |
2006-10-27 14:14:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KPAO KDEM QA TS |
| 06TUNIS2661 |
MOVEMENT OF 18 OCTOBER: WEAK, DIVIDED, BUT [...] (C) Summary. The Movement of 18 October, a disparate group of opposition political leaders and activists promoting freedom of expression, association, and amnesty for political prisoners, recently marked its one year anniversary. While movement leaders claim the group has sent a strong message [...] |
2006-10-31 11:22:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM KMPI TS |
| 06TUNIS2663 |
PSI LETTER ON UNSCR 1718 DELIVERED [...] No summary [...] |
2006-10-31 14:30:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | PARM KNNP PREL PHSA EWWT EAIR PBTS TS |
| 06TUNIS2665 |
SCRAP THAT TENDER!! ENERCIEL VS STEG -- THE [...] (C) Summary. In a meeting with representatives of the U.S. company UPC Wind Partners (UPC) and its subsidiary Enerciel Tunisie, Emboffs were briefed on the current status of UPC/Enerciel's wind energy investment (which already approaches USD 3 million) and their ongoing problems with GOT's e [...] |
2006-10-31 14:41:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | ECON ENRG KIDE EINV TS |
| 06TUNIS2679 |
WOMENS' "NGO": LESS HIJAB, MORE BEN ALI [...] (C) SUMMARY. A recent meeting of a major pro-GOT Tunisian women's NGO to discuss Tunisian values turned into a rally in support of Ben Ali and his policies. While ostensibly a meeting in support of secular and moderate values, the October 27 event organized by the National Union of the Tunisi [...] |
2006-11-01 09:48:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KDEM PHUM SOCI TS |
| 06TUNIS2684 |
TUNISIANS FEEL PINCH OF HIGH PRICES THIS RAMADAN [...] (SBU) Summary: Ramadan spending combined with rising inflation hit many Tunisians in the pocket book this year. While the GOT attempted to put its best foot forward by keeping prices low and stepping up enforcement of price controls, these measures did little to address rising inflation and co [...] |
2006-11-01 15:25:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN TS |
| 06TUNIS2688 |
EMBASSY OFFICERS BLOCKED, AGAIN, FROM MEETING [...] (C) SUMMARY. ON OCTOBER 27, EMBASSY OFFICERS TRIED FOR A SECOND TIME TO MEET WITH THE LOCAL CHAPTER OF THE TUNISIAN HUMAN RIGHTS LEAGUE (LTDH). THREE WEEKS EARLIER, POLICE HAD BLOCKED SUCH A MEETING, AND IN FOLLOW-ON CONVERSATIONS WITH THE GOT, NO VALID REASON HAD BEEN GIVEN FOR THE PROHIBITIO [...] |
2006-11-01 16:27:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM KMPI TS |
| 06TUNIS2689 |
SCRAP THAT TENDER!! ENERCIEL VS STEG -- THE [...] (C) Summary. In recent meetings with representatives of the U.S. company UPC Wind Partners (UPC) and its subsidiary Enerciel Tunisie, Emboffs were briefed on the current status of UPC/Enerciel's wind energy investment (which already approaches USD 3 million) and their ongoing problems with G [...] |
2006-11-01 16:29:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | ECON ENRG KIDE EINV TS |
| 06TUNIS2690 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: TRANSFER OF TUNISIAN DETAINEES [...] No summary [...] |
2006-11-02 09:46:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PHUM PINR KWAC TS |
| 06TUNIS2693 |
PRODI VISIT REINFORCES ITALY-TUNISIA RELATIONSHIP [...] (C) SUMMARY. Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi visited Tunis on October 30 for meetings with Tunisian President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali. According to Italian embassy contacts, Prodi's visit is part of a regional tour that includes Rabat and Algiers. While focusing on bilateral cooperation, [...] |
2006-11-02 12:36:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PGOV PHUM TS |
| 06TUNIS2702 |
EMBASSY TUNIS PREPARES NIV APPLICANTS FOR NEW EVAF [...] SUMMARY: For the last two months, post consular and public affairs sections have been engaged in a campaign to increase public awareness about the new EVAF requirements. Through press releases and a roundtable discussion, liaison with the host government, and by using posters and public speakin [...] |
2006-11-03 08:49:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | CVIS CMGT SOCI LY TS |
| 06TUNIS2742 |
TUNISIA - INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL STRATEGY [...] (U) Tunisia is not considered an important regional financial center due in large part to the very strict control exercised by the Central Bank over financial transactions, particularly those involving foreign currency. There is no discernible money laundering activity reported to be occurrin [...] |
2006-11-09 16:06:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN KCRM KTFN TS |
| 06TUNIS2743 |
FOREIGN MINISTER ABDALLAH LAYS IT ON THICK [...] (C) SUMMARY: FOREIGN MINISTER ABDALLAH ON NOVEMBER 6 CONVOKED CHARGE, "FOR NO PARTICULAR REASON." IN REALITY, THE GOAL OF THE MEETING WAS QUITE CLEAR: ABDALLAH SOUGHT TO EMPHASIZE THE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF THE U.S.-TUNISIAN BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP, WHICH HE ENTHUSIASTICALLY CHARACTERIZED AS "TR [...] |
2006-11-09 16:25:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PGOV PHUM TS |
| 06TUNIS2744 |
BEN ALI CELEBRATES 19 YEARS IN POWER [...] (C) SUMMARY. On November 7, Tunisian President Ben Ali celebrated the nineteenth anniversary of his assumption of power with a speech that highlighted his accomplishments and offered a few minor policy proposals. Typically, the speech focused on economic achievements and proposals. Although [...] |
2006-11-13 06:55:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KDEM PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS2749 |
TUNISIA ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS: Oct. 16 - Oct. 31 [...] (U) This cable contains highlights of recent economic developments in Tunisia on the following topics: A. GOT to Issue a Travel Allowance Card B. GOT Projects 5.3 percent GDP Growth for 2006 C. Central Bank Concerned About Household Debt D. Tunisia Signs Science Cooperation Deal with Chi [...] |
2006-11-14 08:51:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD ELAB EFIN SENV KTEX TS |
| 06TUNIS2752 |
BEN ALI 2009: THE CAMPAIGN BEGINS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Immediately on the heels of the nineteenth anniversary of Ben Ali's rule on November 7th, his campaign for the 2009 elections appears to have began. RCD regional entities and senior GOT officials supported the RCD-controlled Chamber of Advisors' November 9th call for Ben Ali to r [...] |
2006-11-14 15:34:00 | Embassy Tunis | SECRET | PGOV KDEM PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS2753 |
United Arab Emirates Investments Target Tunisia [...] SUMMARY: In a period of less than 12 months, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become the biggest single foreign investor in Tunisia, surpassing France, which, excluding energy, has been the largest investor in Tunisia over the last five years. Comment: While UAE investors have been active in [...] |
2006-11-15 07:03:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV ECON ETRD TS |
| 06TUNIS2763 |
GLOBAL IMPORT REGULATIONS FOR USED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT [...] Post submits the information below in response to reftel. The Tunisian Ministry of Commerce has supplied updated information concerning the import of used medical equipment into Tunisia. 2. Current regulations and practices are as follows: A. There is no statutory prohibition on the i [...] |
2006-11-15 16:15:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | BEXP EIND ETRD TS |
| 06TUNIS2771 |
Carrefour Closes its Counterfeit Optical Disc Sales [...] (SBU) Summary: The GOT is taking positive steps to target the retail sector for enforcement of IPR. The Tunisian franchisee of retail giant Carrefour has stopped its practice of openly selling pirated optical discs. In addition, Carrefour's circulars now contain an explicit warning against r [...] |
2006-11-17 09:56:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KIPR ECON ETRD TS |
| 06TUNIS2772 |
Erroneous Media Reports of a U.S./Tunisia Free Trade [...] (U) Local news media recently published an article indicating that despite a relative slowdown of talks between the two parties, the U.S. and Tunisia were exploring opportunities aimed at concluding a Free Trade Agreement and mentioning that work groups have been set up to look into the servic [...] |
2006-11-17 10:10:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KIPR ECON ETRD TS |
| 06TUNIS2773 |
GOT RELEASES 55 AN-NAHDHA PRISONERS [...] (C) Summary: On November 4, President Ben Ali pardoned an unspecified number of prisoners on the occasion of the November 7 holiday marking his accession to power in 1987. Among those released were 55 prisoners that had been imprisoned on charges related to their membership in the banned Tunis [...] |
2006-11-17 11:49:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS2776 |
RSVP: EXTRANCHECK: POST-SHIPMENT VERIFICATION; [...] (SBU) EconOff was unable to conduct requested Post-Shipment Verification (reftel) despite numerous attempts to do so. The ultimate Consignee for this shipment of L72 laser sights was the Tunisian Ministry of Interior (MOI). 2. (SBU) The MOI has been reluctant to schedule an on-site visi [...] |
2006-11-17 16:08:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | BEXP ETRD ETTC IT TS |
| 06TUNIS2782 |
GERMAN FM CALLS FOR POLITICAL REFORM IN TUNISIA; [...] (C/NF) SUMMARY. GERMANFOREIGN MINISTER STEINMEIER'S NOVEMBER 16 VISIT TO TUNISIA MADE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES FOR THE STONG MESSAGE HE CARRIED -- BALANCING PRAISE FOR TNISIA'S PROGRESS IN ACHIEVING ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IGHTS WITH A CALL FOR GREATER POLITICAL REFORM. STEINMEIER'S MEETING WITH [...] |
2006-11-20 16:20:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PINR EU GM TS |
| 06TUNIS2783 |
UPDATE OF WORST FORMS OF CHILD LABOR INFORMATION [...] No summary [...] |
2006-11-21 07:34:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB EIND ETRD PHUM SOCI TS |
| 06TUNIS2786 |
BEN ALI IN PUBLIC: OLD, BUT NOT NECESSARILY OVER [...] (S/NF) Despite ongoing rumors that he is seriously ill (reftel), President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali presided over the opening of a major local event on November 21 and delivered a lengthy speech. Ben Ali spoke on the occasion of the opening of the 14th Congress of the Tunisian Employers' Associ [...] |
2006-11-21 14:38:00 | Embassy Tunis | SECRET//NOFORN | PGOV PREL KDEM PINR TS |
| 06TUNIS2787 |
TUNISIA: NO AMBASSADOR TO ATTEND LEBANON'S [...] (C) On November 21, Ambassador delivered reftel demarche encouraging Tunisia not to attend the Lebanese National Day Reception hosted by President Lahoud on November 22 to Saida Chtioui, MFA Secretary of State for the Americas and Asia. Chtioui said that Tunisia has not had an ambassador in Le [...] |
2006-11-21 16:21:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS2797 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: BMENA FORUM FOR THE FUTURE [...] No summary [...] |
2006-11-24 07:41:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL KMPI PGOV TS |
| 06TUNIS2798 |
BEN ALI ANNOUNCES NEW POLICIES TO FACILITATE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. On November 21, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali spoke on the occasion of the opening of the 14th Congress of the Tunisian Employers' Association for Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA) and delivered a speech announcing some new economic and commercial policies. Designed to [...] |
2006-11-24 07:41:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV PGOV ETRD TS |
| 06TUNIS2801 |
AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO FOREIGN [...] (C/NF) Summary: Ambassador Godec presented a copy of his credentials to Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdelwaheb Abdallah on November 18. In an hour long meeting, Ambassador and FM discussed a range of issues, but clearly most important to Abdallah was the point he made the week before to Charg [...] |
2006-11-24 09:14:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM TS |
| 06TUNIS2802 |
VISIT OF EMIR FORESHADOWS RE-OPENING OF TUNISIAN [...] (C) Qatari Ambassador Saad Ben Nasser al-Hamidi told Ambassador that the Emir of Qatar, on a private visit to Tunisia, met one-on-one with President Ben Ali on November 22. The session was an effort to resolve differences, following recent frictions between Tunisia and Qatar over satellite T [...] |
2006-11-24 13:58:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV KPAO KDEM QA TS |
| 06TUNIS2803 |
SECRETARY'S STRATEGY SESSION ON WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT [...] Post shared reftel's fact sheet on the Secretary's Women's Empowerment Working Session with the GOT and relevant local NGOs. Any response will be reported septel. 2. S/WE may wish to include the Tunisian Minister for Women's Affairs in future activities: Salwa Ayachi Labben Minister of W [...] |
2006-11-27 07:03:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM KWMN PREL UNGA TS |
| 06TUNIS2814 |
GOT OUTLINES LEGAL ASSURANCES FOR S/WCI AMB. [...] (S/NF) SUMMARY. During his November 15-17 visit to Tunisia, Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues Clint Williamson met on November 16 with Tunisian Minister of Interior Rafik Bel Haj Kacem and on November 17 with Minister of Justice and Human Rights Bechir Tekkari to discuss the repatriat [...] |
2006-11-28 08:05:00 | Embassy Tunis | SECRET//NOFORN | PTER KAWC PHUM PINR PGOV TS |
| 06TUNIS2823 |
BEN ALI STATEMENT ON SOLIDARITY WITH THE [...] (SBU) On November 28, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali issued a statement calling on the international community to protect the Palestinian people. On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (November 29), Ben Ali reinforced Tunisia's traditional suppo [...] |
2006-11-30 07:37:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL KPAL TS |
| 06TUNIS2826 |
GOT PREVENTS LEGAL OPPOSITION PARTY FROM [...] (C) Summary: Leaders of the legal opposition party Democratic Forum for Labor and Liberties (FDTL) attempted to register a new newspaper on November 16, but were denied the necessary receipt from the Ministry of Interior (MOI) that would allow the would-be publishers to begin the process of au [...] |
2006-11-30 14:45:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM KPAO KMPI KDEM PGOV TS |
| 06TUNIS2843 |
TUNISIAN CHALLENGES FOR THE AL-JAZEERA MAGHREB [...] (C) On December 1, Lotfi Hajji, the Tunisian correspondent for al-Jazeera Satellite Channel (JSC), outlined for PolOffs the difficulties he is having in organizing Tunisian participants for the new Rabat-based nightly JSC program on the Maghreb (Ref A). Hajji, who has written articles for alj [...] |
2006-12-05 11:26:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM KPAO OIIP KMPI TS |
| 06TUNIS2844 |
TUNISIAN JOURNALISTS UNION ONE STEP CLOSER TO [...] (C) SUMMARY. The Tunisian Journalists' Union (SJT, not authorized by the GOT) has begun coordinating with the General Union of Tunisian Workers (UGTT) to establish a journalists' union under the rubric of the UGTT. The SJT, led by al-Jazeera correspondent and opposition activist Lotfi Hajji, [...] |
2006-12-05 11:37:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB KPAO KDEM TS |
| 06TUNIS2856 |
AFTER INITIAL REFUSAL, GOT AUTHORIZES NEW [...] (C) Only weeks after refusing legal opposition party Democratic Forum for Labor and Liberties (FDTL) leadership the necessary paperwork to begin the process of authorization to publish a newspaper (Ref A), the Ministry of Interior (MOI) has reversed its position and approved publication, party [...] |
2006-12-06 14:41:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KPAO PHUM KDEM TS |
| 06TUNIS2861 |
TUNISIA ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS: Nov. 1 - Nov. 30 [...] (U) This cable contains highlights of recent economic developments in Tunisia on the following topics: A. Tunisia Plans to Build Nuclear Power Plant by 2020 B. Tunisie Telecom Privatization Receipts To Reduce External Debt C. Central Bank Intervenes in Bank Lending D. GOT Subsidies R [...] |
2006-12-07 09:08:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EFIN ENRG EAID EPET TS |
| 06TUNIS2878 |
TIP GLOBAL CONFERENCE [...] No summary [...] |
2006-12-11 12:32:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB SMIG KCRM PHUM AE TS |
| 06TUNIS2880 |
ROLL-OUT OF SECURE FREIGHT INITIATIVE PHASE I [...] No summary [...] |
2006-12-11 13:14:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | PTER KHLS EWWT ASEC ECON TS |
| 06TUNIS2887 |
WITHER LABOR INDEPENDENCE? THE UGTT ELECTIONS [...] (C) SUMMARY. As Tunisia's single labor confederation enters the final days before its December 14-16 congress to elect new leadership, labor activists continue to express their concerns that the results will indicate continued GOT influence over key officials. The General Union of Tunisian W [...] |
2006-12-13 07:44:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB KDEM PGOV TS |
| 06TUNIS2899 |
MAGHREB LEADERS EXTOL VIRTUES OF FREE TRADE [...] (SBU) Summary: At a recent two-day conference on Maghreb business and trade, regional leaders and businessmen extolled the virtues of increased regional economic integration and lamented the currently low levels of trade and investment between the Maghreb countries. Participants hailed from al [...] |
2006-12-13 16:12:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECIN ETRD EINV TS |
| 06TUNIS2910 |
Beywatch: American Passports and African Development? [...] INTRODUCTION: This report is one of a series drafted by Post's entry level officers which have the "Beywatch" caption. We believe the perspectives offered in the following vignette will give the reader a sense of everyday life in Tunisia. For more information about Tunisia or the Embassy Tuni [...] |
2006-12-14 15:34:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | SOCI CVIS SY TS |
| 06TUNIS2911 |
TUNISIAN INTERACTION WITH SYRIA [...] (C) During his December 14 courtesy call with M'hamed Chelaifa, Director General for Asia and the Americas, Ambassador raised reftel demarche regarding Tunisian interaction with Syrian officials. Chelaifa said he was not aware of any high-level visits scheduled between Syria and Tunisia. He [...] |
2006-12-14 15:59:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KPAL PTER SY TS |
| 06TUNIS2916 |
ADB PRESIDENT OPTIMISTIC ABOUT BANK'S FUTURE, WARY [...] (U) Summary: During the Ambassador's December 11 courtesy call on African Development Bank (ADB) President Donald Kaberuka, Kaberuka touched on the differing problems and varying situations of African nations and the importance of adapting the services provided by the ADB to meet these challen [...] |
2006-12-15 14:53:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID EFIN ECIN KDEM TS |
| 06TUNIS2926 |
TUNISIA NOT TO ATTEND RSSS WORKSHOP [...] No summary [...] |
2006-12-19 07:47:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG TRGY EG TS |
| 06TUNIS2949 |
TUNISIAN HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES MOUNTING, IN SPITE OF [...] (C) SUMMARY AND INTRODUCTION: THE GOT CELEBRATED HUMAN RIGHTS DAY ON DECEMBER 10TH WITH THE USUAL SPEECHES ABOUT TUNISIA'S RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, AND WITH NEW INITIATIVES FOCUSED ON ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT. MEANWHILE, HARASSMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS, OPPOSITION PARTY ACTIVISTS [...] |
2006-12-20 16:02:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL PGOV KMPI TS |
| 06TUNIS2950 |
TUNISIA ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS: Dec. 1 - Dec. 15 [...] (U) This cable contains highlights of recent economic developments in Tunisia on the following topics: A. Tunisia to Increase Transit Capacity of Algerian Gas to Italy B. FDI Up Nearly Ten Percent in 2006 C. Inflation Down in November ------------------------------------ Tunisia to Inc [...] |
2006-12-21 07:31:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EINV EPET EAIR TS |
| 06TUNIS2957 |
THE BUSINESS OF HAJJ IN TUNISIA [...] (C) SUMMARY. DESPITE THEIR GOVERNMENT'S SECULAR LEANINGS, THE NUMBER OF TUNISIANS WISHING TO PERFORM THE ANNUAL HAJJ PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA IS INCREASING IN PARALLEL WITH TUNISIANS GENERALLY BECOMING MORE RELIGIOUS. WHILE TUNISIAN AUTHORITIES, LIKE MOST MUSLIM GOVERNMENTS, UNDERTAKE SIGNIFICANT [...] |
2006-12-22 10:32:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | SOCI PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS2963 |
COMMERCE MINISTRY TALKS TOUGH ON IPR [...] (SBU) Leila Fethi, in charge of implementing programs in the Economic Control Division (ECD) in the Tunisian Ministry of Commerce and Handicrafts, discussed with EconOff the recent removal of pirated optical disks from retail giant Carrefour and upcoming GOT actions on the intellectual propert [...] |
2006-12-26 14:29:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD KIPR TS |
| 06TUNIS2970 |
EXXONMOBIL STIFLED BY EXCESSIVE GOT REGULATION, [...] (C) Summary: In a December 20 meeting with EconOff, ExxonMobil Tunisia Director General Arnaud Blouin lamented the difficulty of doing business in Tunisia and questioned whether ExxonMobil has a future in Tunisia. Blouin presented a laundry list of complaints ranging from Central Bank currenc [...] |
2006-12-27 15:03:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EINV EPET ETRD BEXP TS |
| 06TUNIS2973 |
SHOOT OUT LEADS TO SECURITY CLAMP DOWN [...] (C) SUMMARY. In what may be a first in Tunisia, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) announced on December 24 that a gun battle had occurred on the night of December 23 between the Tunisian police and armed individuals in a southern suburb of Tunis. With further details vague, the subsequent increa [...] |
2006-12-28 13:46:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER ASEC PGOV TS |
| 06TUNIS299 |
TUNISIAN UNION COMPLAINS OF GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE [...] (C) SUMMARY: During a February 7 meeting with Laboff on other topics, General Union of Tunisian Workers (UGTT) Assistant Secretary General for International Affairs Mohamed Trabelsi criticized the GOT for restricting press coverage of the UGTT's 60th anniversary celebrations in January. Trabels [...] |
2006-02-13 10:30:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PGOV KDEM TS |
| 06TUNIS344 |
ENVIRONMENTAL WOES AND SOLUTIONS IN GABES [...] (SBU) Summary: The southern coastal town of Gabes is one of the primary industrial zones in the country. While chemical factories have provided jobs boosting the local and national economy, resulting pollution has severely damaged the local ecosystem and posed health risks to the population, [...] |
2006-02-16 08:22:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV SENV TS |
| 06TUNIS358 |
Special Media Reaction: SecDef Visit to Tunis [...] (SBU) Summary. Tunisian broadcast and print media prominently covered the February 10 - 11 visit of Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld to Tunis. The local SIPDIS reporting on the visit emphasized the positive strategic alliance between the U.S. and Tunisia as well as the Secretary's laudatory r [...] |
2006-02-17 13:40:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL KPAO OIIP TS |
| 06TUNIS373 |
HAMAS VICTORY: DEMOCRATIC REFORM IMPLICATIONS [...] Summary: Pro-democracy contacts from across the region were shocked by the magnitude of the recent Hamas electoral victory, but at the same time were impressed by the genuinely democratic process. Looking at the impact that these events could have on democratic reform in the region, the democr [...] |
2006-02-21 16:17:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | KMPI KDEM PREL XT TS |
| 06TUNIS387 |
ANOTHER 18 OCTOBER MEETING BLOCKED [...] (C) Summary: GOT security forces prevented a majority of members of the 18 October Committee (18OC) from attending a press conference held by the group on February 21. Although there were reports that excessive violence was used, Poloff witnessed the opposite: deliberate restraint by police [...] |
2006-02-22 15:48:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV KMPI KPAO KDEM TS |
| 06TUNIS388 |
TUNISIAN ASSOCIATION OF DEMOCRATIC WOMEN ON GOT [...] (C) Summary: On February 9, Poloffs met with senior officials of the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women (ATFD), an authorized and independent NGO active in debating and publicizing women's issues. While focused primarily on social issues, ATFD leaders have at times been outspoken critic [...] |
2006-02-22 15:53:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM KPAO KMPI KDEM TS |
| 06TUNIS392 |
ARAB MAGHREB UNION LABOR OFFICIALS PESSIMISTIC [...] SUMMARY. (C) During a February 17 meeting, officials of the Labor Union of Arab Maghreb Workers (USTMA), the labor entity of the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU), expressed pessimism about the AMU's ability to revitalize itself. Officials said the recent appointment of a former Tunisian foreign minist [...] |
2006-02-23 10:18:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KDEM PGOV TS |
| 06TUNIS423 |
NIH DIRECTOR ZERHOUNI ASSESSES POSSIBILITIES FOR [...] SUMMARY. National Institute of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Elias Zerhouni accompanied by a multi-disciplinary team, visited Tunis January 19-21 to understand research priorities and related GOT commitment. The team was impressed with the state of care and research in Tunisia; found the involve [...] |
2006-02-27 15:43:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV PHUM TBIO KPAO SOCI NIH OVIP MEPI |
| 06TUNIS425 |
GOT RELEASES MORE THAN 1600 PRISONERS, INCLUDING [...] (C) Summary: On February 26, all daily newspapers carried an official GOT press release stating that President Ben Ali freed 1,298 prisoners and granted "conditional freedom" to 359 others. Notable among those released were approximately 70 members of banned Tunisian Islamist party an-Nahdha, [...] |
2006-02-27 15:58:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV KPAO TS |
| 06TUNIS435 |
TUNISIA CONSIDERS NUCLEAR POWER [...] (C) SUMMARY: In light of Tunisia's ongoing energy challenges, the Tunisian press reported in mid-February that the GOT is studying the possible development of nuclear, and other alternative, power to meet its domestic energy needs to combat the challenge of rising oil prices. MFA contacts str [...] |
2006-02-28 15:17:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | ENRG PREL PGOV TS |
| 06TUNIS452 |
TUNISIAN RESPONSE: COLLABORATING WITH [...] SUMMARY: Embassy Tunis welcomes the OES-led initiative to develop targeted activities in support of basic science and mathematics education, which are top priorities in Tunisia. Opportunities I-V, presented in reftel A, are all viable options for collaboration with Tunisian groups. In addi [...] |
2006-03-02 11:02:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECON PREL SENV KPAO TS |
| 06TUNIS480 |
GOT REACTION TO PRISONER RELEASE STATEMENT [...] (C) SUMMARY: On March 3, MFA Secretary of State for American and Asian Affairs Saida Chtioui summoned Charg to present a formal GOT reaction to the Department statement on the February 25 release of over 1600 Tunisian prisoners. Chtioui expressed the GOT's "surprise" that the Spokesman had ref [...] |
2006-03-03 16:29:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL KDEM TS |
| 06TUNIS501 |
LTDH TRIAL HIGHLIGHTS STRICT GOT CONTROLS OVER [...] (C) SUMMARY: The February 25 court appearance of the Tunisian Human Rights League (LTDH), which resulted in an administrative postponement, provided rare insight into the extent to which GOT security forces can prevent civil society from operating. While foreign diplomats were allowed entry a [...] |
2006-03-06 15:34:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV KDEM TS |
| 06TUNIS540 |
MODERATE TUNISIAN RESPONSE TO CARTOON CRISIS [...] (U) Summary: Most Tunisian intellectuals and media responded with moderate and thoughtful commentary to the Danish cartoons featuring the Prophet Mohamed. While some editors used the polemic as an occasion to again criticize American foreign policy in the Arab world, most of the editorial re [...] |
2006-03-09 12:58:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM KPAO ECIP SOCI TS |
| 06TUNIS55 |
SUCCESSION IN TUNISIA: FINDING A SUCCESSOR OR FEET FIRST? [...] (S) SUMMARY: In a country that has had only one president for over eighteen years, suddenly and unusually, talk of the post-Ben Ali era is growing. Several senior and well-connected individuals have recently raised Ben Ali's intentions for the future with Ambassador and other embassy officials. On [...] |
2006-01-09 15:14:00 | Embassy Tunis | SECRET | PGOV PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS569 |
MEPI OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTED TO 120 JUNIOR CHAMBER [...] (U) SUMMARY. In February, Embassy Tunis' MEPI Coordinator spoke to the newly-elected presidents of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) chapters in Tunisia about MEPI programs, specifically highlighting the Small Grants Program. There are approximately 2,700 JCI members in Tunisia, aged 1 [...] |
2006-03-13 13:06:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM KDEM KMPI PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS584 |
NEW POLITICAL PARTY AUTHORIZED IN TUNISIA; CRITICS [...] (C) SUMMARY: On March 3, Tunisian authorities authorized the establishment of the "Green Party for Progress" (French acronym is PVP), the first new political party created since 2002. Although President Ben Ali recently said new parties would be registered (reftel), the rapid approval of a [...] |
2006-03-14 15:52:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM TS |
| 06TUNIS622 |
SENIOR GOT OFFICIALS' COMMENTS TARGET USG AND EU [...] (C) SUMMARY: Recent speeches by senior GOT officials have directly addressed domestic reform initiatives of (while not mentioning by name) USG, as well as other foreign entities and domestic activists. Presidential Spokesman and Advisor Abdelaziz Ben Dhia, Minister of Social Affairs Ali Chao [...] |
2006-03-16 15:29:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KDEM PHUM PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS629 |
LARGER THAN EXPECTED BIDS FOR TUNISIA'S LARGEST [...] (SBU) The larger-than-expected bids (ranging from USD 1.76 to 1.92 billion) for the partial-privatization of Tunisia's telecommunications giant - Tunisie Telecom - continues to be welcome economic news. Local media announced March 15 that the initial slate of six bidders on Tunisie Telecom had [...] |
2006-03-17 15:04:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS EINV ECON TS |
| 06TUNIS635 |
WORKING-CLASS OPINIONS AND COMMENTS IN TUNISIA [...] SUMMARY: Throughout 2005 and early 2006, Tunisians have complained about rising price levels. Everything from olive oil, to gasoline, to automobile insurance has seen price increases in recent months, and there is a rise in official and actual inflation. Middle-class to lower-income Tunisia [...] |
2006-03-17 15:44:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN EPET TS |
| 06TUNIS637 |
Special Media Reaction: A/S Welch visit to Tunis [...] (SBU) Summary. Tunisian media provided wide and positive coverage of the March 14 -16 visit of Assistant Secretary Welch. Headlines in all papers focused on the SIPDIS strength and "excellence" of U.S.-Tunisian relations and referred to "discussions of international issues of mutual concer [...] |
2006-03-17 15:54:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL KPAO OIIP TS |
| 06TUNIS645 |
TUNISIA: MINISTER TELLS A/S WELCH TUNISIA SERIOUS [...] (C) Summary. Minister of Development and International Cooperation Jouini told A/S Welch March 15 that job creation and boosting foreign investment were key challenges to Tunisia in the next ten years. Part of the strategy included diversifying trade exchanges, now primarily with the EU, to [...] |
2006-03-21 09:14:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ETRD EFTA PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS646 |
A/S WELCH AND FM ABDALLAH: ISLAMISM, TUNISIA REFORM [...] (C) Summary: In a March 15 meeting with A/S Welch, FM Abdelwahab Abdallah discussed the "dangers of political Islam", claiming there is no such thing as moderate Islamists and accusing the West of having "insufficient knowledge of Islam," and being misled by the "double-speak of Islamists" who [...] |
2006-03-21 09:22:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL KMPI PHUM TS |
| 06TUNIS647 |
A/S WELCH AND FM ABDALLAH ON IRAN, ISRAEL, SUDAN, [...] (C) Summary: In a meeting March 15 in Tunis, FM Abdallah told A/S David Welch that during a recent trip to Iran he reinforced Tunisia's position supporting the peaceful use of nuclear energy, but condemning any proliferation of nuclear or chemical weapons. Abdallah claimed he petitioned his [...] |
2006-03-21 09:24:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV KPAO KMPI TS |
| 06TUNIS666 |
BEN ALI'S INDEPENDENCE DAY SPEECH FOCUSES ON [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: On the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of Tunisia's independence, President Ben Ali delivered a major speech that outlined Tunisia's achievements and set clear and lofty goals for economic achievement in the next ten years. In addition to several new tax proposals, Ben Ali [...] |
2006-03-22 11:01:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ECON ELAB KDEM PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS667 |
INDEPENDENCE DAY PASSES LARGELY UNNOTICED [...] (C) SUMMARY: Although Tunisia's fiftieth anniversary of independence from French rule was marked by official events and speeches (reftel), few Tunisians seemed to take particular pride in the event. The country was festively decorated, but the public was largely uninvolved in celebrations. A [...] |
2006-03-22 11:04:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KDEM PGOV TS |
| 06TUNIS669 |
REPORTS OF ANTI-SEMITIC STUDENT DEMONSTRATION IN [...] (SBU) Summary: According to press reports and eyewitnesses, On March 10, approximately 100 students shouted anti-Israel and anti-Semitic slogans during a demonstration at Manouba University in Tunis at a ceremony marking the donation of books from the library of the late Jewish Tunisian histor [...] |
2006-03-22 12:10:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM KPAO TS |
| 06TUNIS670 |
ISLAMISTS IN TUNISIA [...] (C) SUMMARY: During a recent roundtable with Tunisian intellectuals and civil society activists, participants discussed the challenges and opportunities for Islamists in Tunisia. (NOTE: In this discussion, Islamists were defined as Islamic political activists. END NOTE.) While noting that di [...] |
2006-03-22 13:49:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KDEM PGOV TS |
| 06TUNIS73 |
BEYWATCH - NEWS FROM TUNISIA AT THE END OF 2005 [...] The following is one of a series of reporting cables drafted predominantly by Post's entry level officers, which have the "Beywatch" caption. We believe the different perspectives offered in each of the following vignettes will give the reader a look into everyday life in Tunisia that may no [...] |
2006-01-17 07:33:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | SCUL SOCI UN TS |
| 06TUNIS730 |
ABBOU UPDATE [...] (C) Summary: After a year in prison, Mohamed Abbou, jailed after posting two Internet articles critical of the GOT, President Ben Ali and his family, continues to receive attention and support from local and international human rights groups. The Tunisian Human Rights League head calls Abbou [...] |
2006-03-28 12:26:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV KPAO TS |
| 06TUNIS750 |
FREEDOM AGENDA QUARTERLY REPORT [...] (C) SUMMARY: This quarter was marked by significant USG engagement of the GOT, including visits by SecDef Rumsfeld and NEA A/S Welch. The GOT took some positive steps towards increased political reform, including pardoning approximately eighty prisoners described as political prisoners by hum [...] |
2006-03-30 08:45:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KDEM PGOV KMPI KPAO TS |
| 06TUNIS753 |
American Diplomat Builds Bridges of Understanding [...] Summary. During a March cultural program funded by the ECA Performing Arts Initiative and organized by Tunis PA, Embassy Political Officer Brennan Gilmore helped score a significant public diplomacy hit through his musical collaboration with Tunisian musician Riadh Fehri in a group called "K [...] |
2006-03-30 12:51:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OEXC OPRC SCUL SOCI TS |
| 06TUNIS755 |
Embassy Tunis Opens First American Corner in [...] Summary. In January 2006, in the presence of close to 200 Tunisians, the Ambassador inaugurated the first American Corner in the country at the Tunis AMIDEAST headquarters. In his speech to a wide range of government officials, journalists, students, academics, and civil society partners, the [...] |
2006-03-30 14:21:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OIIP OPRC SCUL SOCI OEXC TS |
| 06TUNIS771 |
TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS: CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION [...] (SBU) On March 27, Poloff met with Ahlem Belhadj and Hafidha Checkir of the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women (ATFD) to discuss their 2002 report on child sexual exploitation, titled "A Situational Analysis of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in Tunisia." (NOTE: This report i [...] |
2006-03-31 14:05:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM KCRM KWMN ELAB SMIG ASEC KFRD PREF TS |
| 06TUNIS784 |
GOT COMBATS CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION THROUGH LAWS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: On April 2, Poloff met with the Ministry of Women, Family, Children and Elderly Affairs (MWFCEA), to discuss GOT efforts to prevent child sexual exploitation. (NOTE: The issue was raised in a 2002 private study and Ref A. END NOTE.) Aida Ghorbal, the Ministry's Director General [...] |
2006-04-04 11:54:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM KCRM KWMN ELAB SMIG ASEC KFRD PREF TS |
| 06TUNIS80 |
SECULARIST-ISLAMIST DIVIDE IN NEW DEMOCRACY [...] (C) SUMMARY AND COMMENT: The Network of Democrats in the Arab World was officially launched in Casablanca on December 17, 2005. Funded by DRL, the network brings together democracy activists of both "secular" and "Islamist" leanings. While differences between those two camps emerged quick [...] |
2006-01-17 15:32:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | KDEM PHUM PREL |
| 06TUNIS807 |
NASA SCIENTISTS ENGAGE YOUTH ON SOLAR RESEARCH IN [...] SUMMARY. On March 23-24, 2006, four NASA scientists addressed Tunisian youth interested in science and solar research at the main Tunisian public science center. Following up on a successful visit in fall 2005, the scientists participated in workshops with the Tunisian Young Scientists Associa [...] |
2006-04-06 12:26:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | TSPA KPAO TS |
| 06TUNIS808 |
U.S./EU LUNCH ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN TUNISIA [...] No summary [...] |
2006-04-06 12:41:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KDEM KPAO EAID PHUM KMPI TS |
| 06TUNIS816 |
HOW THE GOT INTIMIDATES CIVIL SOCIETY ACTIVISTS [...] (C) INTRO: Tunisian officials adhere closely to President Ben Ali's claim that Tunisia is making great advances towards becoming a modern, democratic state (Ref C), but it is no secret that authorities continue to monitor, intimidate, and SIPDIS seek to discredit civil society activists of a [...] |
2006-04-06 14:38:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM KDEM PGOV TS |
| 06TUNIS845 |
RUSSO-TUNISIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL CREATED [...] (SBU) Russian (and local) media reported March 27 on the establishment of a Russo-Tunisian Business Council during a Tunisian delegation's visit March 23-26 that included Tunisian Minister of Tourism Tijani Haddad. The council's creation was described as part of a broader Russian push to rein [...] |
2006-04-10 11:27:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | ECON PREL ENRG RU TS |
| 06TUNIS872 |
TUNISIAN ASSISTANCE FOR AFGHAN RECONSTRUCTION [...] No summary [...] |
2006-04-13 13:08:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV AF TS |
| 06TUNIS873 |
TUNISIA'S SECOND CHAMBER: UPDATE AND OVERVIEW [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Chamber of Advisors, Tunisia's second parliamentary body, was created during a 2002 constitutional change and began work in August 2005. The Chamber's 112 members from across the country are responsible for reviewing all draft legislation, in cooperation with Tunisia's existin [...] |
2006-04-13 13:09:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KDEM PREL TS |
| 06TUNIS881 |
THE "PEOPLE'S CAR" PROGRAM [...] (C) SUMMARY: One of the fundamental components of President Ben Ali's national agenda is the so-called "People's Car" program, established in 1996. Designed to support the ability of Tunisians to buy cars, the program supplies a set number of small family cars at reduced prices. Given high T [...] |
2006-04-14 14:22:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV SOCI TS |
| 06TUNIS973 |
TUNISIA ADVERTISES GOOD TIES WITH IRAN, SYRIA [...] (C) Summary. Through its mostly-government controlled press, Tunisian officials are playing up positive economic and cultural exchanges between Tunisia and officials in Iran and Syria. Two visits to Tunis within a week--Iranian Vice President for Tourism and Heritage on April 15, and Syrian P [...] |
2006-04-24 15:00:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM ETRD SY IR TS |
| 07TUNIS1004 |
HUMAN RIGHTS LEAGUE OPTIMISTIC AMID SOME SIGNS OF [...] (C) During a July 23 meeting, Tunisian Human Rights League (LTDH) President Mokhtar Trifi told the Ambassador that the LTDH was open to any solution the GOT could offer to the League's crisis. The LTDH's only conditions would be the continued (political) independence of the League and its abi [...] |
2007-07-26 14:30:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM KDEM PGOV PREL TS |
| 07TUNIS101 |
BEN ALI TAKES THREE DAYS "REST" ON DOCTOR'S ORDERS [...] (U) ON JANUARY 23, THE TUNISIA AFRICA PRESS AGENCY (TAP) ANNOUNCED THAT PRESIDENT ZINE EL ABIDINE BEN ALI IS TAKING THREE DAYS REST ON THE ADVICE OF HIS DOCTOR. THE TAP OFFICIAL STATEMENT FOLLOWS (INFORMAL EMBASSY TRANSLATION). BEGIN TEXT: THE OFFICIAL SPOKESMAN FOR THE PRESIDENCY OF THE [...] |
2007-01-23 14:18:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PREL TS |
| 07TUNIS102 |
DAS CARPENTER'S ROUNDTABLE WITH TUNISIAN CIVIL [...] (C) During his January 10-12 visit to Tunis, NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary J. Scott Carpenter met with six leaders of Tunisian civil society. In a wide-ranging two-hour discussion, several common themes emerged: -- critiques that the United States, rhetoric was falling behind it actions in [...] |
2007-01-23 15:53:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM KMPI TS |
| 07TUNIS1024 |
CALVERT SUPPORT TO TUNISIA'S ENDA [...] (U) Per reftel request, Post provides the following background information on ENDA Inter-Arabe. ENDA and co-founder Essma Ben Hamida are well-known to the Embassy. Post has no objections to the proposed OPIC guaranty of Calvert Social Investment Foundation loans to ENDA. 2. (U) ENDA was fo [...] |
2007-07-31 15:19:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | EINV ECON EFIN TS |
| 07TUNIS1025 |
ROBERT SMOLIK SPEAKS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE AND [...] (U) During his three day visit (July 9-11) to Tunisia, FSO and Diplomat-in-Residence Robert Smolik addressed a wide range of audiences, including businesspeople, academics, students, media, GOT officials, and members of civil society groups on the topic of "Good Governance and Economic Growth." [...] |
2007-07-31 15:24:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KPAO ECON KCOR TS |
| 07TUNIS1040 |
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION MAIN ISSUE FOR OPPOSITION [...] (C) On July 26, the Ambassador met with Mohamed Harmel the outgoing Secretary General of the Renewal Movement (Et-Tajdid) party. Harmel spoke at length about the need for greater freedom of expression in Tunisia, including media access and public debate. Referring to President Bush's June [...] |
2007-08-02 07:46:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV PREL KDEM KPAO TS |
| 07TUNIS1043 |
DEMARCHE RESPONSE: EVENT ON LITERACY AND HEALTH [...] (SBU) Post can not report at this time if the Head of State (HOS) or Head of Government (HOG) will attend UNGA, or if the HOS/HOG will be in New York on September 24. On July 23, Post sent a diplomatic note requesting information on the Tunisian delegation to the 62nd UNGA meetings. On July 2 [...] |
2007-08-03 07:44:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL SOCI TSPL UNGA TS |
| 07TUNIS1044 |
MOHAMED ABBOU TO CONTINUE ACTIVISM FOR FREEDOM IN [...] (C) On July 31, EmbOffs met with Mohamed Abbou, a political prisoner released on July 24 after serving over two years of a three-and-a-half year sentence. He and his wife Samia expressed their appreciation for USG support of them and their family during Abbou's incarceration. Abbou discuss [...] |
2007-08-03 08:28:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV PREL PTER KPAO KDEM TS |
| 07TUNIS105 |
MINISTER JOUINI: UNITED STATES AND TUNISIA NEED TO [...] (C/NF) Summary: During Ambassador's January 16 courtesy call on the Minister of Development and International Cooperation (MDIC), Mohamed Nouri Jouini discussed the way forward for the US-Tunisian economic relationship. Ambassador asked Jouini what he wanted out of the relationship over the n [...] |
2007-01-24 10:13:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | ECON ETRD TS |
| 07TUNIS1058 |
OCTOBER 18TH MOVEMENT: FOCUS ON 2009 ELECTION [...] (C) On July 26, the Ambassador met with five civil society activists involved in the October 18th movement (an alliance of disparate human rights and political activists that includes moderate Islamists). The October 18 group expressed deep concern about the lack of freedom of expression an [...] |
2007-08-03 15:44:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV PREL KDEM KPAO TS |
| 07TUNIS1061 |
SUPPORTING TUNISIA'S COUNTER-TERRORISM EFFORT: A [...] No summary [...] |
2007-08-06 11:44:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | MARR MASS KTIA PTER TS |
| 07TUNIS1064 |
TUNISIA: PROMOTING THE PRESIDENT'S FREEDOM AGENDA [...] (SBU) Advancing the President's Freedom Agenda is Post's number one Mission Strategic Plan goal. As part of our push on freedom in Tunisia, the Ambassador and other Embassy officers meet frequently with democracy and human rights advocates, opposition political party members, and civil societ [...] |
2007-08-06 14:03:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL KDEM KPAO TS |
| 07TUNIS1066 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: PROMOTION OF STANDING [...] No summary [...] |
2007-08-07 09:06:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | PREF PREL PHUM ICRC TS |
| 07TUNIS1068 |
THE TUNISIAN SECULAR STATE: A MODEL FOR THE MUSLIM [...] (C) Following independence in 1956, Tunisia has witnessed the development of a largely secular system of government that maintains a strict separation of mosque and state. Former President Bourguiba implemented policies that, building on Tunisia's secular leanings, established Tunisia as one o [...] |
2007-08-07 14:59:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV SOCI KISL PTER KDEM TS |
| 07TUNIS1069 |
MIXED TUNISIAN REACTION TO FREEDOM AGENDA [...] (C) Summary. As requested in Ref C and reported in Ref A, Post undertook a number of activities in June and July to promote the Freedom Agenda and draw attention to President Bush's Prague speech. While many in civil society expressed their appreciation for the USG's ongoing support for polit [...] |
2007-08-07 15:57:00 | Embassy Tunis | SECRET | PGOV KDEM PREL KPAO TS |
| 07TUNIS107 |
SPECIAL ENVOY RICKMAN HEARS FROM GOT THAT TUNISIA [...] (C) During a December visit to Tunisia by Special Envoy to Combat and Monitor Anti-Semitism Gregg Rickman, GOT interlocutors claimed that there was "absolutely no problem" of anti-Semitism in Tunisia, and that Tunisia's small Jewish community lived in "perfect harmony" with Tunisian Muslims. H [...] |
2007-01-25 08:20:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV KMPI TS |
| 07TUNIS1073 |
TUNISIA ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS [...] (U) This cable contains highlights of recent economic developments in Tunisia on the following topics: A. Trade Gap Narrows B. President Signs US $14 Billion Emirati Project Bill C. GOT Offers Tax Amnesty for Capital Repatriation ----------------- Trade Gap Narrows ----------------- [...] |
2007-08-09 11:41:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EINV EFIN KTEX TS |
| 07TUNIS1075 |
OPPOSITION PARTY REACHES OUT TO EMBASSY [...] (C) Requests for more American assistance and cooperation are not something we normally hear from Tunisian opposition parties, but it was exactly what the Social Democratic Movement (MDS) wanted to talk about during the Ambassador's August 8 meeting. MDS Secretary General Ismail Boulahia ha [...] |
2007-08-09 15:05:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV PREL KDEM KPAO TS |
| 07TUNIS1076 |
PRO-GOT HUMAN RIGHTS LEAGUE FACTION OPEN TO A [...] (C) On August 1, the Ambassador met with the pro-GOT faction of the Tunisian Human Rights League (LTDH), which sued the Executive Committee of the LTDH to protest the consolidation of LTDH branches. The ensuing legal battle has virtually suspended all LTDH activities since 2005 (Ref B). The [...] |
2007-08-09 16:00:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV PREL KDEM KPAO TS |
| 07TUNIS1085 |
SCENESCETTER FOR THE VISIT OF CODEL COSTELLO [...] (U) Embassy Tunis warmly welcomes Representative Jerry Costello and accompanying members of CODEL Costello to Tunis from August 18 - August 20, 2007. Tunisia proudly -- and justifiably -- calls itself a "country that works." Despite Tunisia's relatively small economy and lack of natural reso [...] |
2007-08-10 14:53:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | OREP EWWT TS |
| 07TUNIS1095 |
FRENCH AMBASSADOR,S VIEWS ON TUNISIAN POLITICAL [...] (C) French Ambassador Serge Degallaix told Ambassador Godec August 8 that the French Government believes the GOT is making progress on democracy and human rights, albeit slowly. Degallaix also said: -- President Sarkozy's visit to Tunisia was excellent, but major changes in French policy vis--v [...] |
2007-08-14 15:33:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KDEM PREL PTER FR TS |
| 07TUNIS111 |
POLITICAL FSN SENTENCED UNDER QUESTIONABLE [...] (U) THIS IS AN ACTION REQUEST. PLEASE SEE PARA 6. ------- SUMMARY ------- 2. (S/NF) ON JANUARY 24, POST'S SENIOR POLITICAL FSN JAMIL HALFAOUI WAS SENTENCED TO FOUR MONTHS IN PRISON ON A 2001 CHARGE OF DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY, FOR WHICH HE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN FOUND NOT GUILTY. HALFAOUI [...] |
2007-01-25 18:01:00 | Embassy Tunis | SECRET//NOFORN | PREL PGOV KMPI ASEC TS |
| 07TUNIS112 |
TIMELINE ON EVENTS LEADING TO SENTENCING OF SENIOR [...] (C) ON JANUARY 24, POST'S SENIOR POLITICAL FSN JAMIL HALFAOUI WAS SENTENCED TO FOUR MONTHS IN PRISON ON A 2001 CHARGE OF DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY, FOR WHICH HE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN FOUND NOT GUILTY. POST IS CONTINUING TO INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER AND IT APPEARS THE CASE MAY BE POLITICALLY MOTIVATED [...] |
2007-01-25 18:04:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PGOV KMPI ASEC TS |
| 07TUNIS1133 |
TUNISIAN JOURNALIST SAYS DEFAMATION TRIAL [...] (C) On August 16, Tunisian journalist Omar Mestiri made his second court appearance in his ongoing trial for defamation. During an August 14 meeting, Mestiri opined that irregularities in the proceedings suggest that his trial is politically motivated. Mestiri was charged soon after he wro [...] |
2007-08-21 15:31:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV PREL KDEM KPAO TS |
| 07TUNIS1134 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE [...] No summary [...] |
2007-08-21 15:34:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PREL UNGA TS |
| 07TUNIS1135 |
MONCEF BEY: BIG SCREENS, SMALL BILLS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The central Tunis "Moncef Bey" market is where most Tunisians go to buy affordable imported and counterfeit electronics. From cell phones to satellite dishes, plasma televisions to washing machines, Moncef Bey has nearly every kind of electronic equipment, household appliance, [...] |
2007-08-21 15:48:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECON EFIN KIPR TS |
| 07TUNIS1136 |
CODEL COSTELLO PROMOTES OPEN SKIES AGREEMENT AND [...] (SBU) During a August 18-20 visit to Tunisia, the 11 members of CODEL Costello were warmly welcomed by GOT officials, who were eager to highlight Tunisia's economic success and express their enthusiasm for the recently founded Tunisia caucus. Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi focused on the e [...] |
2007-08-21 16:30:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ECON EINV ETRD TS |
| 07TUNIS1157 |
SECURING VIABLE ASSURANCES TO RESUME DETAINEE [...] (S) Serious allegations have been made regarding the treatment by Tunisian authorities of one of the two transferred Tunisians formerly detained at Guantanamo Bay. Before we can resume the transfer of detainees, the Embassy needs to review the allegations with senior GOT officials and obtain r [...] |
2007-08-22 15:01:00 | Embassy Tunis | SECRET | PTER KAWC PINR TS |
| 07TUNIS1159 |
SCENESETTER FOR CODEL JACKSON LEE [...] (U) Embassy Tunis warmly welcomes Representative Sheila Jackson Lee and Representative Steve Chabot to Tunis from August 29 - August 30, 2007. Tunisia proudly -- and justifiably -- calls itself a "country that works." Despite Tunisia's relatively small economy and lack of natural resources, [...] |
2007-08-22 15:36:00 | Embassy Tunis | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | OREP PREL PGOV PHUM PTER TS |
| 07TUNIS1171 |
TUNISIA: GUBERNATORIAL AND RCD CHANGES; CABINET [...] (C) The last several days in Tunisia have seen a reshuffle of governors, as well as the appointment of six new secretaries-general of the ruling Constitutional Democratic SIPDIS Rally (RCD) party. Most observers here expect a cabinet reshuffle will soon follow. One informed contact specula [...] |
2007-08-24 15:29:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL TS |
| 07TUNIS119 |
TELECOM MINISTER SINGS PRAISES OF PRIVATIZATION, [...] (SBU) Summary: During Ambassador's January 23 courtesy call, Minister for Communications Technology Montasser Ouaili expressed enthusiasm for increasing US investment in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, allowing more competition, and for the full privatization of par [...] |
2007-01-26 14:43:00 | Embassy Tunis | CONFIDENTIAL | ECPS EINT EINV BEXP OEXC TS |
| 07TUNIS120 |
US COMPANIES BEMOAN COMPLEX REGULATIONS, BUT ARE &lbr | ||||