THE SECRETARY-GENERAL’s REMARKS AT JOINT PRESS ENCOUNTER WITH H.E. MR. MOHAMED MONCEF MARZOUKI, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TUNISIA

NEW YORK, October 10, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Bonjour,

Je suis ravi d’être de retour en Tunisie. Je remercie le Gouvernement et le peuple tunisiens de leur accueil chaleureux.

Le Président et moi-même venons de tenir une réunion très productive. J’ai salué la façon dont il dirige le pays, sans transiger sur les principes, en cette période critique de l’histoire de la Tunisie.

Les élections marqueront une étape importante dans la démocratisation de la Tunisie. L’Organisation des Nations Unies fera tout son possible pour veiller à ce qu’elles soient ouvertes à tous, transparentes et pacifiques. J’engage tous les Tunisiens

à exercer leur droit de citoyen en allant voter.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

President Marzouki and I discussed what more the United Nations can do for Tunisia. We also addressed the many challenges ahead. Tunisia deserves the international community’s full support as it works to solidify its democracy, create jobs and achieve economic growth.

The President and I are both deeply concerned about the situation in Libya. I thanked the President for supporting United Nations efforts to facilitate a political dialogue. We discussed how we can better cooperate to advance progress.

Tunisia is an important country for the region, the United Nations and the world.

Tunisia raised hopes across North Africa, the Middle East and the globe when the Arab Spring was born here. And Tunisia has risen to high expectations by staying true to its ideals. Here we see that with integrity, leadership, civic engagement and commitment, peaceful revolution leads to promising stability.

The United Nations has been Tunisia’s proud partner on this journey. Your values of democracy, freedom and human rights are our values. We have actively supported the democratic transition with technical assistance on elections, transitional justice and Tunisia’s extremely valuable Constitution.

I applaud the Tunisian Government and people for the great success you have achieved. Tunisians have shown the power of inclusive national dialogue. This is an important example for countries of this region. When leaders listen to their people, respond to their needs and work for their aspirations, countries enjoy peace and prosperity.

The United Nations will remain at Tunisia’s side as you continue to build on your many impressive accomplishments.

Thank you.

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