Growing Concern Regarding Fate of Tunisian Diaspora in Syria

Following the release of a statement by the Tunisian Office of the President – condemning the Syrian regime and announcing plans to expel the Syrian ambassador to Tunisia – several political parties voiced concern over the security of Tunisian nationals residing in Syria.

Since the release of the statement on Saturday the fear of retaliation against Tunisian nationals residing in Syria has been at the heart of heated debate.

The Ettajdid Movement – a party among the political opposition to the ruling coalition – released a statement on Saturday expressing its support for the Syrian uprising but also its bewilderment concerning the decision to expel the Syrian ambassador. The decision was described in the statement as, “hasty and inconsiderate.” Ettajdid pointed out the necessity of protecting the Tunisian diaspora residing in Syria.

A diplomat working at the Tunisian embassy in Damascus, Syria, confirmed that no attacks have been reported against either Tunisian citizens or the Tunisian embassy in Syria. However, the same source stated that the embassy has been receiving calls from concerned Tunisian expats.

“We are in the process of contacting members of the Tunisian community and assuring them that arrangements for their departure [from Syria] will be facilitated for those desiring to leave. We have even offered to incur the cost of the airfare for those anxious to leave, and have proposed that they repay it later on,” said the diplomat.

When asked about the circumstances of the Tunisian diaspora in Syria – in an interview conducted with a Tunisian radio station (Shems FM) – Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali, said that “We are taking the stance of a revolutionary population. God will protect them [the diaspora].”

He added that the reactions of other parties have been fueled by ulterior motives, and are not expressed out of genuine concern for the security of Tunisians living in Syria.

Another opposition party – the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) – issued a press release in which it also expressed its support for the Syrian uprising and its surprise at the president’s decision. The PDP described the decision as, “unusual in light of Tunisian diplomatic tradition.”

The party invited the Office of the President to consult with all national stakeholders before making decisions that could compromise Tunisia’s international relations. The PDP also asked the government to take “necessary measures” in mitigating the decision’s potentially negative consequences for Tunisians living in Syria.

The official posted at the Tunisian embassy in Syria confirmed that the Tunisian community in Syria, originally numbering close to 3,000, has decreased to about 2,000 in the previous three months.