WASHINGTON, 20 February 2004 — Tunisian President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali met Wednesday with President George W. Bush at the White House. His low-key visit was significant as it marks the first by an Arab leader since Bush unveiled an initiative for democracy in the Middle East. This was Ben Ali’s second visit since becoming president in 1987.
During their 30-minute meeting followed by lunch, the two leaders discussed the Middle East peace process, or lack of it. Tunisia, already an ally in the war on terrorism, wants to take on a larger role in the Middle East peace process when it hosts a meeting of Arab leaders on March 29.
The US has praised Ben Ali for his cooperation in fighting terrorism, and Tunisia is viewed as a key US ally in the global war on terror. In 2002, the historic Ghriba synagogue in Djerba was bombed, killing five Tunisians and 16 Europeans. The bombing was blamed on Al-Qaeda.
Both the president and Secretary of State Colin Powell, who visited Tunisia in December, emphasized that the country must make strides toward democratic reform.
“I look forward to talking to you about the need to have a press corps that is vibrant and free, and well as an open political process,” Bush told Ben Ali before White House reporters in their Oval Office meeting.
Secretary Powell reiterated these thoughts following his hour-long meeting with the Tunisian president. Powell said he complimented Ben Ali on his government’s efforts on issues including economic reform and women’s rights, but also said he raised concerns about human rights conditions in Tunisia that he said were also addressed at the White House.
“We had some continuing concerns with respect to political reform, with respect to media access and other similar issues where I think Tunisia could do more. And in a spirit of friendship, I laid out those items to him. My staff has been in touch with Tunisian counterparts to discuss these issues. Tunisia is a good friend, a strong friend, one whose friendship we have appreciated over the many, many years. And as we can with strong friends, you can discuss issues that are in contention.”
Both fans and critics say Ben Ali firmly controls many aspects of Tunisia’s life, including a highly effective security apparatus that has obstructed extremists’ efforts to seize power and disrupt the country.
Ben Ali says Tunisia’s security measures, and its economic and educational programs, have been essential in deterring militant Islam.
Many foreign analysts give credit to the role of women in Tunisian society as an effective obstacle against terrorism, saying women are active in all professional activities in the country, and dominate areas including healthcare and teaching.
Critics say Ben Ali rules the country undemocratically, and the US government has urged political reforms and greater openness. In 2002 the Tunisian Parliament approved a constitutional amendment making Ben Ali eligible for reelection in October 2004 and in 2009. In the past three presidential elections, Ben Ali won reelection with an official tally of more than 99 percent.
On a Washington visit last month, Tunisian Foreign Minister Habib Ben Yahia counseled patience on political reform, saying democratic progress will follow the social and economic gains Tunisia has already made.
