Co-ordination unit in Brussels to recover assets stolen by Ben Ali

European Union (EU) special representative in charge of South Mediterranean Region Bernardino Leon announced that a co-ordination unit would be created in Brussels to make it easier for European banks to restore the money stolen by Ben Ali and his relatives. During his meeting, on Wednesday, with Justice Minister Lazhar Karoui Chebbi, Mr. Leon laid emphasis on the EU's determination to work together with the Tunisian government to return this money. The meeting was an opportunity to look at co-operation prospects in the field of justice, notably the achievement of the second European programme on consolidation of the Tunisian judiciary system, which is presently discussed by the two sides. The EU special representative pointed the important position lent by the EU to post-Revolution Tunisia and expressed the Union's will to hoist these relations to the level of advanced partner, recalling, in this regard, the meeting due to be held next September 28-29 in Tunis to materialise this co-operation and the objectives set in the various fields. Besides, he voiced the EU's satisfaction at the Interim Government's efforts to establish an independent justice, as it represents a strong signal to foreign investors to launch projects in Tunisia. Mr. Leon added that the priority now is to have investments, which dropped by 30%, recover at least the same level as before the Revolution. The meeting was attended by the Public Prosecutor Director of Legal Services and the Justice Ministry senior officials.