US backs Tunisian aspirations for democratic government

By Adel Thabeti

TUNIS, Tunisia (AA) – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday reiterated support to the Tunisian people to form an effective democratic government that "protects universal human rights."

Blinken congratulated the Tunisian people on the 66th anniversary of Tunisia's independence and the 11th anniversary of the Tunisian revolution, citing that the bonds between the two countries are "based on shared values of democracy and human rights."

"We recall the historic role of Tunisian civil society, which received the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize for contributions to building a pluralistic democracy, a testimony to the true character of the Tunisian people," Blinken was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the US Embassy in Tunisia.

"The United States supports the aspirations of the Tunisian people for an effective, democratic, and responsive government that protects universal human rights, provides security, and expands economic opportunities,” he added.

At several occasions, the US called on Tunisian President Kais Saied to accelerate returning the country to democratic path and to end the measures that hindered political life in Tunisia.

Last July, Saied dismissed the government, suspended parliament and assumed executive authority amid mounting public anger over economic stagnation and political paralysis.

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

Tunisia has been seen as the only country that succeeded in carrying out a democratic transition among Arab countries which witnessed popular revolutions toppling ruling regimes, including Egypt, Libya and Yemen.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar