French President Nicolas Sarkozy praised Tunisia for its fight against Islamic extremists adding that it is a laboratory for an open Arabo-Muslim society that respects its identity. Sarkozy’s comments received criticism from human rights groups like the Tunisan Association of Democratic Women. Its spokesperson, Khadija Cherif, explained she was disappointed Sarkozy had given priority to business. Tunisair announced a deal to purchase 16 aircraft from European plane-maker Airbus, and French and Tunisian officials signed an accord that could lead to the construction of a nuclear power plant in Tunisia.
