Tunisian President Kais Sageant said tonight that his country is refusing a European Union grant which he said amounts to “charity” as its “minimum” amount is at odds with the agreement reached in July between of both sides.

On September 22, the European Commission announced that it would begin “rapidly” granting the amounts foreseen in the framework of an agreement with Tunisia in order to reduce the arrivals of immigrants from that country. The Commission clarified that of the total 105 million provided for in the agreement, 42 will be granted “quickly”. To these are added another 24.7 million euros that were already foreseen in the context of other programs.

“Tunisia, which accepts cooperation, does not accept anything resembling mercy or grace, because our country and our people do not want compassion and do not accept it when it is not accompanied by respect,” Sagent said, according to her statement. presidency. “Consequently, Tunisia denies what has been announced in recent days by the EU,” he added, welcoming Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar.

Sagent explained that his refusal is not because the amount is “insignificant” but because the proposal is “contrary” to the agreement signed by Tunisia “and the spirit that prevailed at the Rome meeting” in July.

According to Brussels, the financial aid should be used in part for the maintenance of the vessels used by the Tunisian coast guard and also for cooperation with international organizations for the “protection of migrants”. Also, money would be given for the return of migrants from Tunisia to their countries of origin.

The agreement also provides for an immediate budget aid of 150 million euros for Tunisia within 2023.

Sagent stressed that his country is doing everything “to dismantle the criminal networks of human trafficking”.