Uzbekistan, Tunisia. A double standard policy of Europe?

There is like a hiatus in European foreign policy and respect for human rights seen from the side of the European Commission. Let us take two of the most recent examples: Uzbekistan and Tunisia

Uzbekistan: a silent critical dialogue

Yesterday, the President of the European Commission, José-Manuel Barroso, received the Uzbek President, Islam Karimov, who is not a paragon of democracy. A visit in the name of "the necessary critical dialogue" it is argued in his entourage and under "a mandate from the Ministers" of the EU. A bizarrely designed dialogue since the President of the Commission was not surrounded by his Vice-President in charge of external relations or his Commissioner in charge of Neighborhood policy, particularly familiar, normally, with the "critical dialogue" on human rights of Man, but by its Commissioner for Energy… The sign is enough in itself. For the critical dialogue, too, we have no proof of this because it took place completely outside the media. No press conference or possibility of questioning the two leaders together. If the Uzbek leader was entitled to a photo at the VIP Corner, no questions could thus be put to him as to the President of the European Commission.

Tunisia: an absence of political gestures

At the same time, the European Commission as a whole as well as the High Representative for Foreign Affairs have not found half a day to express a more substantial gesture towards the Tunisian people who are attempting a democratic revolution. While a visit to the field would be necessary, if only in political gestures, no one apparently has time for it. The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Common Security Policy, Cathy Ashton, is caught up in negotiations with Iran on nuclear and other global emergencies. As for the neighborhood commissioner, Stefan Füle, “ his schedule is full his spokesperson assured me  - he is visiting Syria, then Turkey, etc. ". Result, not a minute to go to Tunis if only to pay homage to the ongoing revolution, to meet civil society. " The difficulty - explains a European diplomat - it's that we don't have anyone to talk to ". " We have to wait for the meeting of Foreign Ministers (of the European Union) on 31 (January) adds another. " Commissar Füle has his fists and feet tied because he depends for that on the High Representative responds one of his relatives. " It's Ashton's fault confirms President Barroso's entourage. Quite easy, a little too much, and not quite exact...

These justifications smell, in fact, full nose, the bad excuse that serves you a pupil who arrives late for the course, pretexting a breakdown of bus, whereas it is since one hour with the coffee in front of the school. The Tunisian revolution has been underway for 15 days. Certainly democracy is fragile. And all the interlocutors in the government are probably not the most recommendable. But there is no lack of credible players in society to meet (the Tunisian Human Rights League or the UGTT, the Tunisian General Labor Union, for example), there are opposition forces, economic circles, simply the population, etc. There is also no shortage of projects for European projects. According to figures from the diplomatic service, Europe has released 300 million euros to Tunisia for the period 2007-2010. It's not nothing... Isn't the problem rather in a serious lack of political courage and sense of reality? Where are the values ​​of Europe?

A stronger European gesture is needed

A European political gesture, stronger than sending written press releases, is now necessary from Europe to Tunisia. What justifies yesterday the visit of an Uzbek leader, very undemocratic, and does not justify tomorrow the visit to Tunisia to consolidate a regime indisputably moving towards democracy?

(update) We were waiting for Europe, the United States did it

American diplomacy made this substantial gesture. Under Secretary of State Jeff Feltman arrived in the country on Monday for a three-day visit. He is going to meet the transitional government, the leaders of the political parties, the representatives of civil society to show support for the Tunisian people. THE " United States supports democratic transition in Tunisia said the State Department in a new statement released yesterday. Under Secretary of State Feltman goes in particular to the possibilities of American involvement to promote " more social and political freedoms, (...) transparent, credible and timely elections, and solutions to social and economic grievances ».

Read also:

• The little Uzbek dictator received by a back door at NATO and the European Commission
• Tunisia: the political failure of the European Union
• Agreement in principle of the 27 for a freezing of the assets of Ben Ali & co (updated)
• Ben Ali enjoyed strong support at European level
• After Ben Ali's departure, Europe "remains committed to Tunisians" says Cathy Ashton