Tunisia’s President Kais Saied condemned what he called attempts to interfere in his country’s affairs following reports that a European Parliament delegation was barred from entering Tunis last week.
The two-day visit by legislators was set to assess the political situation in Tunisia following a partnership agreement signed in July by the EU and Tunisia.
The agreement, which was focused on stemming migration through Tunisia to Europe, includes substantial aid from Brussels, but comes with demands for economic reforms.
In a meeting with Tunisian Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani and other ministers on Monday, Mr Saied said that “those who come from abroad to inspect" were "unwelcome and will not be allowed to enter".
“They are making accusations as if they had replaced the public prosecution. Please stop interfering in our affairs because we did not interfere in their affairs,” he said.
The delegation, led by German politician Michael Gahler, was scheduled to arrive in Tunis on Thursday on a two-day visit to “get a better insight into the current political situation in the country”, the European Parliament said earlier on Wednesday.
Mr Saied said the visit was an attempt to undermine Tunisia’s sovereignty and called on similar practices to stop.
“Stop talking about missions coming to Tunisia to inspect us as if we were under colonialism and [someone’s] guardianship,” he said during Monday’s ministerial meeting. "We work within the scope of transparency more than they do."
The EU promised Tunisia a €1 billion ($1.12 billion) support package, about €100 million of which would go to helping it secure its borders.
But the financial aid package remains pending until certain conditions are fulfilled.
In a press briefing in Brussels on Monday, the European Commission said that it has not yet begun transferring money to Tunisia under July’s agreement.
Spokeswoman Ana Pisonero told journalists in Brussels that “Tunisia has not yet received a single euro” from the EU. The payment process could take some time, she said.
The European Parliament condemned Tunisia's decision to bar its foreign affairs committee delegation.
“This conduct is unprecedented since the democratic revolution in 2011,” the committee said on Thursday. It demanded a “detailed explanation”.
BOSH!'s pantry essentials
Nutritional yeast
This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.
Seeds
"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."
Umami flavours
"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".
Onions and garlic
"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."
Your grain of choice
Whether rice, quinoa, pasta or buckwheat, Firth advises always having a stock of your favourite grains in the cupboard. "That you, you have an instant meal and all you have to do is just chuck a bit of veg in."
BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
Law%2041.9.4%20of%20men%E2%80%99s%20T20I%20playing%20conditions
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Match info
Who: India v Afghanistan
What: One-off Test match, Bengaluru
When: June 14 to 18
TV: OSN Sports Cricket HD, 8am starts
Online: OSN Play (subscribers only)
THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
The Bio
Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village
What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft
Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans
Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Saturday, May 16 (kick-offs UAE time)
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (4.30pm)
RB Leipzig v Freiburg (4.30pm)
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin (4.30pm)
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn (4.30pm)
Augsburg v Wolfsburg (4.30pm)
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (7.30pm)
Sunday, May 17
Cologne v Mainz (4.30pm),
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich (7pm)
Monday, May 18
Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen (9.30pm)
