Saied responds to Borrell remarks: We reject any foreign dictates

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
21 Mar 2023 00:15
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Following the EU's decision, Saied says his country rejects all forms of interference in the country's affairs because it is not under mandate or protection.

European Union flags fly outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, April 10, 2019 (Reuters)

Tunisian President Kais Saied said it is necessary for Tunisians to rely on their own capabilities to overcome the difficulties in the country.

The Tunisian President confirmed today, Monday, that his country rejects all forms of interference in the country's affairs because it is not under mandate or protection.

Said said, "It is necessary for Tunisians to rely on their own capabilities to overcome the difficulties."

He confirmed that "Tunisia rejects any dictations of solutions from abroad," commenting, "It is us who [are entitled to] devise solutions."

His comments came after the European Union asked Belgium and Portugal's foreign ministers to visit Tunisia, citing concerns rising over the economic and political situation in the country.

Earlier, following the meeting of EU ministers held in Brussels, foreign policy chief Josep Borrell described the situation in Tunisia as "very very dangerous."

"If it collapses economically or socially then we will be in a situation where new flows of migrants will come to Europe. We have to avoid this situation."

Borrel announced that the two ministers would "assess the situation and come back with a report that will guide our future steps."

"We cannot turn a blind eye to what's happened," Borrell said, referring to Saied's political decisions.

Tunisia has witnessed an inflation hit of 10.4% with an unemployment rate of 15.2%, according to the latest official figures. The county is now struck by a grinding economic crisis.

Being heavily indebted, the North African country is in need to borrow billions of dollars in order to balance this year's budget.

Tunisia and the International Monetary Fund have been in talks since 2021 to obtain a $2 billion bailout loan.

The negotiations with the International Monetary Fund could be pushed further down the line.