Germany's Steinmeier proposes EU border assistance for Tunisia

German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier has proposed EU border assistance for Tunisia to curb militant movement, according to a media report. The proposal is said to be backed by the UK and France.

According to the German "Süddeutsche Zeitung" newspaper, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has proposed to provide Tunisia with an EU border assistance mission.

The proposal is said to strengthen the North African country's borders with Libya and Algeria - countries that have witnessed increased militant activity, including the presence of the "Islamic State" militant group.

The initiative would bolster Tunisian border guards with training and equipment, expanding on a similar enterprise Germany undertook in 2012.

The proposal - understood to be backed by Steinmeier's British and French counterparts - is expected to be on the table at the next EU foreign ministers meeting due to take place on July 20.

Germany's move to bolster Tunisian borders with EU assistance follows attacks on a beach resort in the coastal city of Sousse as well as the Bardo National Museum, which combined left more than 55 dead, many of whom were European tourists.

Imminent threat?.................

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