The Tunisian President, Kais Saied, indicated on Monday evening that his country refused the funds allocated by the European Union to Tunisia, which, according to him, are similar to “mercy” and whose “ridiculous” amount contradicts the agreement concluded in July between the two parties, notes AFP.
Kais SaidPhoto: Fethi Belaid / AFP / Profimedia Images
The European Commission announced on September 22 that it will start allocating “rapidly” the funds provided for in the agreement with Tunisia to reduce the arrivals of migrants from this country.
The Commission specified that, of the 105 million euros of aid provided in this agreement for combating illegal immigration, approximately 42 million euros will be “quickly allocated”. To which is added 24.7 million euros already planned within the programs in course.
“Tunisia that accepts cooperation does not accept anything resembling mercy or goodwill, because our country and our people will not sympathize and do not accept it when it is disrespectful,” he said, according to a press release from the presidency.
Consequently, Tunisia rejects what was announced in the last few days by the EU,” said Saied who received his foreign minister, Nabil Ammar.
He explained that this refusal is “not because of the small amount (…), but because this proposal goes against” the agreement signed in Tunis and “the spirit that reigned during the conference in Rome” in July.
According to the European Commission, it is to be used partially to rehabilitate the boats used by the Tunisian coast guard and to cooperate with international organizations both for the “protection of migrants” and for the return operations of these exiles from Tunisia to their countries of origin.
This memorandum of understanding between Tunisia and the EU also provides for a direct budget aid of 150 million euros in 2023, while the country is facing serious economic difficulties.
Kais Saied also added that his country is “doing everything possible to destroy the criminal networks of human traffickers”.
Tunisia is, along with Libya, the main point of departure for thousands of migrants who cross the central Mediterranean towards Europe and arrive in Italy. (Agerpress)
