The European Parliament Delegation for relations with Maghreb countries called in a formal declaration on 10 January for an independent inquiry to be set up into the death of street protesters in Tunisia. This request followed the formal statement made by High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Füle, who also expressed EU's concern about the situation in Tunisia.

North African neighbours Algeria and Tunisia have both been convulsed by widespread rioting and violent clashes with the police in the previous days, resulting in the death of several demonstrators. At an extraordinary meeting, EP Delegation for relations with Maghreb members condemned the use of live ammunition by police forces to break up street protests in Tunisia and issued a declaration calling for an independent inquiry.

Furthermore, several MEPs advocated suspending negotiations for an advanced status for the country, complementing Tunisia-EU Association Agreement. These negotiation should be conditional upon the country's respect of human rights. MEPs also called for an urgent meeting of the EU-Tunisia Association Council.

On their side Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, and Commissioner for enlargement Štefan Füle called for restraint in the use of force and for the respect of fundamental freedoms in Tunisia, and in particular, for the immediate release from detention of bloggers, journalists, lawyers and other detained people who peacefully demonstrated in the country.

They also called on Tunisian authorities to investigate the recent events and provide further information about them, and on all parties to engage in dialogue with a view to finding solutions to the problems raised by demonstrators.