renewable energy tunisia
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, begins a state visit to Tunisia on Monday during which he will again be promoting French industry. Also is expected to put the finishing touches on his pet project of a Mediterranean Union.
But it is probably a shade uncomfortable throughout the trip. While human rights will not complement the program, Sarkozy will face a stern test of the position of his two on the subject and its recent pledge not to tolerate more controversial statements from some of his ministers
Over the years, Tunisia has been a great deal of international condemnation for its abuse human rights, local NGOs and NGOs hope that the issue will be addressed during the visit.
But Sarkozy has often been accused of conducting a foreign policy that puts business interests ahead of human rights considerations and probably his visit to Tunisia follow a similar pattern.
You will be surrounded by a pack of French industry leaders representing the usual suspects which usually accompany the travel abroad including Airbus and Alstom.
Also part of the environment however, is Rama Yade, the deputy minister of human rights.
The Yade openly and has embarrassed his boss in a couple of occasions. Last year he criticized human rights record of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, while in Paris on a buying spree – echoing the thoughts of many at the time.
More recently, there was his famous interview with French daily Le Monde, which said Sarkozy had created a set of conditions on China before going to confirm whether he would attend the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Beijing. She later claimed he had been misunderstood.
Although a good deal of attention was directed to her and if she is quiet, there is no denying that the real purpose of the visit is trading once again.
Besides being a consummate politician, Sarkozy is probably also one of the best France sellers. He'll be looking to facilitate an agreement with carriers in Tunisia and are looking to renew its fleet and cheerful throughout the possibility of French exports its expertise in nuclear technology. In the pipeline is an agreement to build a power reactor for civilian purposes along the lines already struck deals with Libya and Algeria.
When Sarkozy receives President of Tunisia Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, will also be looking to finalize plans for their own pet project – the creation of a Mediterranean Union. Designed as a forum for dialogue between the political and economic 27 members of the European Union and North African countries, the details are due to be officially unveiled in Paris on 13 July after France during the six month rotating EU presidency.
Past evidence suggests that Sarkozy will aim to return home with a lot of contracts, but at what cost in terms address the problem of the poor record of Tunisian human rights.
Despite the promises made last week, which could again be himself he can control Yade free to say what he feels, as head of state can not declare in the register.
