Azerbaijan , Baku, Sept. 29 / Trend , G.Dadashova /
"It is already clear to us that asset recovery is an issue of huge importance to the Tunisian
People," Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, stated following the first meeting of the EU / Tunisia Task Force.
"This is firstly about closing the chapter on the excesses of the previous regime and ensuring that
justice is done. And secondly ensuring that these assets are reinvested in the future of this country," the statement posted on the EU website reads. "There is no magic solution: assets will not be returned overnight and there are complex judicial processes which must be respected. But we are committed to offering as much political and logistical support as we can. "
The first meeting of the EU / Tunisia Task Force took place in Tunis on Sept.28. The Task Force was aimed to ensure better coordination of European and international support for Tunisia's transition. It was co-chaired by Catherine Ashton, and Tunisian Prime Minister Béji Caĭd Essebsi.
The EU-Tunisia Task Force is the first task force in the Southern Mediterranean since the Arab Spring began. In Tunis, HR / VP Ashton and Commissioner Füle will reiterate the full support of both the European Union and the international Community to Tunisia's transition towards an open and democratic society, less than a month before the elections scheduled for 23 October. The Task Force will follow up the implementation of its decisions and will meet again in 2012 to continue work on medium and long term projects.