European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek made the following statement on the situation in Tunisia:

"I have followed with concern the recent events in Tunisia and strongly deplore the brutal repression of the demonstrations by citizens to gain their legitimate right for a sound economy based on fair rules.  On behalf of the European Parliament, I express my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims.  We call for the immediate release of all those who have been arbitrarily arrested and call for refrain from violence from all sides.

Democratic aspirations of citizens can never remain unheard or unanswered - they are being heard loud and clear today. Parliamentarians, as elected representatives of the citizens, are in the front line.  The European Parliament can therefore not remain silent.

The European Parliament takes the EU partnership with Tunisia seriously.  It is first of all a partnership between peoples.  We stand side by side in solidarity with our Tunisian friends. We understand their grievances as well as their aspirations and are ready to accompany them on the democratic road that they have chosen.

It is clear the time for profound change has come in Tunisia.  Economic prosperity is a worthy aim but the long-term stability of a country rests on full civil and political rights, political pluralism based on a true multi-party system, and on the rule of law. This is the only way to a both prosperous and stable democracy; this is the way forward."

* * *

For further information:
Robert A. Golański
Deputy Spokesman
Mobile: +32 475 751 663

Richard Freedman
Press Officer
Mobile: +32 498 983 239