- Title: Tunisia's Essebsi calls for EU support in fight against terrorism
- Date: 1st December 2016
- Summary: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (FILE) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF EU PARLIAMENT EU FLAG
- Embargoed: 16th December 2016 13:10
- Keywords: EU Tunisia Schulz Attacks Essebsi President European Parliament
- Location: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
- City: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
- Country: Belgium
- Reuters ID: LVA0015B1Z1ON
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Tunisia's President Beji Caid Essebsi called on Thursday (December 1) for EU support in his country's fight against terrorism.
Addressing parliamentarians during an address in the European Parliament on the second day of a visit to Brussels, Essebsi said his country's security situation was directly linked to that of the 28-member bloc.
"Tunisia is at the forefront of the fight against terrorism and deserves to be fully supported in its effort. Our success in this struggle will also contribute to the security of Europe," Caid Essebsi said.
Last month, Tunisian authorities dismantled a jihadist cell that was planning attacks against a security station and a commercial centre in the capital, a security source said.
Tunisia is on high alert after dozens of Islamic State fighters stormed through the Tunisian town of Ben Guerdan near the Libyan border in March, attacking army and police posts.
Tunisian forces repelled the attack, but at least 53 people were killed in the raid, including civilians.
Tunisia suffered several major attacks claimed by Islamic State last year including two attacks targeting foreign tourists at a Tunis museum and a beach hotel.
The country has struggled to contain a jihadist threat from neighbouring Libya, and a high number of Tunisian militants have left to fight abroad.
Caid Essebsi arrived in the Belgian capital on Wednesday night for a series of bilateral meetings with European Parliament Martin Schulz, EU Foreign Policy Federica Mogherini, EU Council president Donald Tusk and Belgium's King Philippe.
Originally scheduled on Wednesday, a meeting with EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker was cancelled for 'planning reasons.' - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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