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Tunisia: 'Today's Rapid Changes and Complex Challenges Compel Us to Confer a Solidarity Dimension on International Relations', Says President Ben Ali
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Tunisia Online (Tunis)
10 July 2008
Posted to the web 14 July 2008
Tunis
In a foreign policy address delivered on Thursday ON the occasion of the ceremony of accreditation of new foreign ambassadors in Tunisia, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali noted that "the deep and rapid changes characterized by the excessive and continuous rise of oil, food products and raw materials, compel us all to step up efforts in order to reduce the adverse effect of these changes, particularly on developing countries, to confer a solidarity dimension on international relations".
The Tunisian President also said that that Tunisia "was pursuing its action to consolidate that process of democracy, and pluralism, with determination", adding that it was also expanding "public freedoms, broadening the scope of public participation, promoting human rights protection, the values of tolerance, openness, strengthening the foundations of the republican system and rule of law, as well as achieving sustainable and comprehensive development for all".
President Ben Ali further highlighted Tunisia 's achievements which have earned Tunisia "advanced ratings by specialized UN and international organizations", particularly as regards indicators pertaining to human rights, human development, economic performance, competitiveness, civil service development, and social stability".
He also stressed Tunisia's "call to settle conflicts through peaceful means, to opt for dialogue and consensus and to promote complementarity among cultures, civilizations and religions", while rejecting seclusion and all forms of extremism and fanaticism, combating terrorism and eradicating its root causes.
Insofar as Tunisia's foreign policy relations are concerned, President Ben Ali reiterated the fact that Tunisia "has placed the Arab Maghreb Union at the forefront of its strategic choices", he also stressed Tunisia's commitment together with the Leaders of Arab States to "strengthen solidarity and cooperation, to activate the mechanisms of joint Arab action and promote development and modernization in our countries".
"On the other hand, Tunisia has firmly and continuously supported the Palestinian people in its struggle to recover its legitimate rights and establish its independent state", said President Ben Ali.
"While taking note that Lebanon has managed to fill its constitutional vacuum" President Ben Ali expressed the hope that "efforts will be pursued by all Lebanese people to preserve their country's unity and security".
He also voiced the hope that national reconciliation will prevail in Iraq , "within a context of unity and stability".
The Tunisian Head of State further added that relations with Europe have aimed at "elevating the relations of cooperation between both shores of the Mediterranean to the level of a solidarity based partnership, to promote, security, stability and development in the Mediterranean basin".
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At the African level, " Tunisia is endeavouring to further strengthening the relations of cooperation with African countries to enhance the African Union process" added President Ben Ali, who also said that Tunisia was also keen to further promote its relations with American and Asian countries".
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