North Africa democracy ‘priority’ for Poland’s EU presidency

Uprising in January started Arab Spring; photo - EPA

The trip follows the uprising earlier this year that led to the resignation of the authoritarian President Ben Ali.

The Polish mission to Tunisia was inaugurated in April by Lech Wałęsa, the former Solidarity leader.

“Remembering what we have done in Poland [after the fall of communism in 1989] I do believe we should pass on our perspective to societies in North Africa which are now forming a new political system. The leaders there are working to make it the best system possible and also looking towards us [for guidance] so we should give them answers to concrete problems,” Borusewicz said.

During the visit, the Senate Speaker will meet with interim President Fuad Mebaza and PM Kaid Essebsi, as well representatives from NGOs.

On the trip to North Africa, the Polish delegation is also delivering humanitarian aid for Libya. (ek/pg)