By Greg Hazley
Washington Media Group severed its PR contract with Tunisia’s Ministry of Communications on Jan. 7, seven months after going to work for the North African country and U.S. ally in fighting terrorism.
In a letter to Communications Minister Samir Abidi (PDF), WMG president Gregory Vistica, a former Newsweek correspondent and CBS News producer, suggested his firm’s work to burnish the country’s image was being undermined by government actions.
“Recent events make it clear the Tunisian government is not inclined to heed our counsel regarding meaningful reforms,” wrote Vistica in the letter, which has been filed with the Dept. of Justice. “Indeed, the government’s current actions and activities have undermined, orin some cases completely undone, whatever progress we have made in proving Tunisia’s reputation.”
WMG provided PR counsel to the ministry on issues like human rights, press freedoms and Internet censorship.
In a front-page story Jan. 14, the New York Times covered violence that has broken out in the “ancient Mediterranean hamlet” of Hammamet – a popular vacation spot for Westerners – over perceived corruption of the country’s ruling elite. The Times said depictions of President Azine el-Abidine Ben Ali’s riches, as well as the wealth of his family, were brought to light by U.S. diplomatic cables unveiled by WikiLeaks.
Tunisia is a Muslim country seen as a rare and crucial U.S. ally in North Africa.
In announcing the pact last May, WMG partner John Leary, said: “[Tunisia] has a terrific story to share with the world.”
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