Summoning the European Ambassador in Tunisia sparks controversy over communication with civil society.

Arab Sea Newspaper - Follow-ups:

The European Commission commented on the Tunisian President Kais Saied's summoning of the European Union's ambassador to Tunisia, Giuseppe Perrone, following his meeting with the Secretary-General of the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT), Noureddine Taboubi, stressing that communication with civil society is a legitimate part of diplomatic work. The Commission's spokesperson, Anwar Al-Anouny, said on Wednesday during a press conference: "Diplomats around the world should engage in dialogue with all stakeholders in their countries of accreditation, including civil society organizations that contribute to strengthening bilateral cooperation and channels of dialogue." Al-Anouny pointed out that the European Union received President Saied's message regarding the meeting, but stressed the appreciation of the role of the UGTT, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015, for its role in supporting pluralistic democracy in Tunisia. The Tunisian President summoned Ambassador Perrone on Tuesday at the Carthage Palace, announcing a strong protest against what he considered a "violation of diplomatic protocol and dealing outside official frameworks," after the latter's meeting with the Secretary-General of the Union. It is worth mentioning that the European Ambassador met with Taboubi last Monday, praising the Union's role in the national dialogue and the continued cooperation with civil society in Tunisia.