Tunisia pledges at UN debate to successfully complete its democratic transition
Having freed itself from decades of repression, Tunisia is committed to successfully completing its transition to democracy, the country’s Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today.
Foerign Minister of Tunisia Mohamed Mouldi Kefi (right) meets with General Assembly President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser
Earlier this year, the country witnessed a popular uprising – the first of many across North Africa and the Middle East calling for democratic reforms – that removed the long-standing regime of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
Tunisia’s revolution was hailed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as the spark that lit “the profound and dramatic changes” sweeping the Arab world.
The country is today “at a turning point of its history and on the threshold of a new stage,” Mohamed Mouldi Kefi said during the annual general debate.
He said that what happened in Tunisia was a natural outcome of decades of repression, as well as the expression of the aspirations of its people to live in dignity and freedom.
Since the revolution, an authority has been set up to chart a road map towards a successful transition, and elections for the Constituent Assembly – which will be tasked with drafting a new constitution – are scheduled for 23 October.
“We will spare no effort to enable the Tunisian people [to] elect its representatives in a popular, free, pluralistic, transparent and honest fashion,” stated Mr. Kefi.
The provisional Government is also undertaking efforts in the areas of the protection of human rights, as well as job creation and poverty reduction.
“No doubt Tunisia is endowed with assets to achieve its goals and to carry out the democratic transition and the economic and social development,” said the minister.
“Tunisia remains, nevertheless, in an urgent need of continuous support and effective solidarity from the international community to succeed in the democratic transition endeavours and to avoid the economic recession that often accompanies popular revolutions.”
Mr. Kefi also met today with Mr. Ban to discuss progress in the ongoing democratic transition, particularly regarding elections and human rights.
The Secretary-General welcomed the steps taken to prepare for the Constituent Assembly polls next month, and said the UN would help Tunisia to ensure these elections are conducted with credibility and transparency.
Mr. Ban also paid tribute to the Tunisian Government and people for their hospitality in hosting so many refugees escaping the recent conflict in neighbouring Libya.
Source: UN NEWS
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