Tunisia: Foreign Minister Westerwelle shocked by attempted attacks

BERLIN, Germany, October 31, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Minister Westerwelle issued the following statement today on the situation in Tunisia:

I am shocked by the attempted attacks carried out in Tunisia today. The crisis unit at the Federal Foreign Office has met to look at the situation of German tourists in the country and, if necessary, to be able to provide swift assistance.

If political stability is to return to Tunisia, it is vitally important that the national dialogue continues. All political forces must now work together to find pragmatic solutions so that Tunisia can master the challenges ahead, including the fight against Islamist terrorism.

Minister Westerwelle spoke on the phone this afternoon with Tunisia's Foreign Minister Othman Jarandi. He assured the Minister of Germany's solidarity and reaffirmed the German Government's readiness to continue actively supporting the transition process in Tunisia.

The Federal Foreign Office amended its travel and security advice for Tunisia today: Travellers in the Sousse area are advised not to leave their hotels for the time being and to be vigilant. The latest travel advice can be viewed at www.diplo.de