338. Letter From President Reagan to Tunisian President Bourguiba1
It is with real satisfaction that I greet you on the occasion of another visit to your wonderful country by Vice President George Bush.2 His presence in Tunis serves once again as a demonstration of the friendship that exists between our two governments and peoples and the importance that I place on those relations.
Vice President Bush’s trip comes at a time of particular tension and turbulence in North Africa. Much of this stems from the policies pursued by Colonel Qadhafi. The latest attacks by rebel forces in Northern Chad,3 clearly encouraged and supported by Libya, are but another example of Qadhafi’s determination to destabilize neighboring governments. Such actions, and his equally evident and unremitting pursuit of terrorism as an instrument of state policy, are clearly unacceptable.
Your visit to Washington last June was a memorable occasion for me.4 At that time, I pledged to continue to support Tunisia politically and through economic and military assistance programs. I take pride in the fact that, despite very difficult budgetary restraints, the U.S. government assistance levels to Tunisia in 1986 reflect that commitment made to you.
Mr. President, I wish you good health, and wish the people of Tunisia the tranquility and prosperity that they so richly deserve.
With sincere regards and respect,
Sincerely,
- Source: Reagan Library, Near East and South Asia Affairs Directorate, Tunisia 1986. No classification marking.↩
- See Document 339.↩
- Reference is to the abortive February 10 attack by Libyan and GUNT forces aimed at taking Ndjamena. Documentation is scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations, 1981–1988, vol. XLVIII, Libya; Chad.↩
- See Document 328.↩