French diplomacy has defended through the Tunisian regime

French diplomacy has given the impression of support through the regime of Tunisian President Ben Ali, appearing overwhelmed and not showing at any time the slightest sign of support for democratization demands expressed by the demonstrations, which led, Friday, January 14, the flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia leader in power for twenty-three years.

It is a terse statement that the Elysee said Friday about 20 hours, the dramatic political change in Tunisia. "France takes note of the constitutional transition announced by Prime Minister Ghannouchi. Only dialogue can bring a lasting and democratic solution to the crisis. France stands alongside the Tunisian people in this critical period." The text is available when Nicolas Sarkozy and François Fillon met with Elysé to address the crisis.

30 to 20 h, while the destination of the plane of the Tunisian president remains subject to speculation, Paris announced its refusal to host on French soil. "France has not received any request for home M. Ben Ali, "said a statement from the Quai d'Orsay, which states:" If this request is, France would provide its response in accordance with the constitutional authorities in Tunisia.

"Throughout the four weeks of street protests in Tunisia, which began Dec. 17, 2010, France has adopted a low profile, confining itself to call the "appeasement" never denounce police repression, particularly the use of live ammunition forces of order, which resulted in at least 66 dead in a month, according to human rights organizations of human rights.

Tuesday, January 11, while the challenge wins Tunis, remarks by French Foreign Minister, Michele Alliot- Mary, before the National Assembly in Paris, there is some consternation, including inside the Quai d'Orsay. The Tunisian government has set a record of 21 civilians killed by gunfire since the start of the troubles, and Ms Alliot-Marie proposed police cooperation ....

France wants to take advantage of Tunisia "know-how (his) security forces" to "address situations of this type safe," said the minister, to "The right to demonstrate is insured, as well as security." The "appeasement can be based on techniques of policing," said Alliot-Marie. The crisis thus seems reduced to an issue of professionalism of the Tunisian security forces, which are compounded by economic difficulties.

Ms Alliot-Marie speaks of "large-scale social unrest," without mentioning the political demands of the protesters, who denounced the power confiscated by the family Ben Ali and posters are attacking the head of state. "Rather than launching anathemas, our duty is to make a serene and objective analysis of the situation," she said.

Besides police cooperation, Paris seems to think, that day, the announcement of increased aid to Tunisia, especially at European level could help resolve the crisis. "Our primary message should be that of friendship between the people and the people of France" Tunisian "without ourselves up as giving lessons." Thursday, January 13, the day when everything changes, Paris insisted again on its offer of police cooperation.

The Quai d'Orsay said that "France has a recognized expertise in the maintenance of order in respect of the proportionate use of force in order to avoid casualties." In the evening, on television, Mr. Ben Ali announced a package of measures: the renunciation of a new presidential term in 2014, the end of live ammunition from the police, and a restoration of freedom of the press.

Friday morning, on instructions from the Elysee, the Quai d'Orsay "positive note" these decisions "for political openness and democracy in Tunisia." France "encourage the Tunisian authorities to continue on this path." But while accelerating. The French authorities hide behind news brief, without any comment on the fact that Arab leader has for the first time of being chased by the crowd.

In the entourage of Mme Alliot-Marie, late Friday night, it was defending itself for having myopic on the crisis in Tunisia. "The message of French diplomacy has been pragmatic, says a source. This is not for France to say Ben Ali has to go. We wanted to help Tunisia to solve its problems.

If the media were reopened and Internet, it may be with us. We wanted to help the authority to push ahead with democratization. We tried to do that. " Asked about the contrast with the French positions taken on Iran, where, in 2009, the major opposition demonstrations had received strong support from Nicolas Sarkozy, and each law enforcement authority was strongly denounced by diplomacy French, this source said that the two cases are not comparable, because Iran is a regional threat, and that "with Tunisia, there are bonds of friendship and cooperation." Natalie Nougayrède Article published in the edition of 16.01.11

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