Tunisia draws up new defense policy with help of US, UK

By Yousri Wannas

TUNIS (AA) – Tunisia’s Defense Ministry on Tuesday began compiling a "white book" -- in cooperation with U.S. and British experts -- spelling out the country’s new defense policy, according to Tunisian Defense Minister Ferhat Horchani.

"This ‘white book’ is a vision for the country’s long-term security and defense policy," Horchani said at a Tuesday ceremony held to mark the occasion.

He said the book was being composed within "a legislative and constitutional framework" and would be "subject to administrative, financial and judicial control".

According to the minister, the book will lay down a comprehensive strategy for developing the operational and intelligence capabilities of the Tunisian military and security forces.

It will also lay out a comprehensive national security plan, Horchani added, and make recommendations for harmonizing the activities of the country’s military and security institutions, along with other state institutions.

According to Horchani, the book will be completed over the course of the next year.

Ben Moeling, U.S. deputy chief of mission in Tunis, for his part, said the participation of U.S. military experts in drafting the white book "comes within the context of ongoing U.S. support for Tunisia".

Speaking at Tuesday’s ceremony, Moeling also stressed the need to "take the necessary time to build an integrated security and defense policy [for Tunisia]".

In May, Washington delivered some $20 million in security aid to Tunisia, which in recent years has been hit by a series of terrorist attacks.