Listen to Tunisian counterparts to know facts, President Saeid tells US officials

By Yamena Salemi

TUNIS, Tunisia (AA) - Tunisian President Kais Saied called on US authorities to listen to their counterparts in Tunisia to know the facts about “the real situation” in his country.

Saied’s remarks came during his meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf on Tuesday in the capital Tunis.

"The meeting discussed the development of the bilateral relations between Tunisia and the United States of America," said a presidency statement.

It said that the meeting was an opportunity for Saied to explain many issues related to the situation in Tunisia.

Saied also "refuted many allegations promoted by known parties," the statement said, without specifying names.

It said the president also reaffirmed "Tunisia's commitment to its sovereignty and the rejection to interfere in its internal affairs."

Tunisia has been in the throes of a deep political crisis that aggravated the country's economic conditions since last July, when Saied ousted the government, suspended parliament and assumed executive authority. He later dissolved the assembly after lawmakers held a session to challenge his measures.

While Saied insists that his measures were meant to "save" the country, critics have accused him of orchestrating a coup.

On Aug. 17, Saied said the country's new constitution has entered into force.

The referendum on the new constitution, however, saw a low turnout of 30.5%, according to the country's electoral commission.

* Writing by Ahmed Asmar