Tunis — President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali chaired on Wednesday a ceremony marking the celebration of the 53 rd anniversary of the birth of the Tunisian army.

The President of the Republic saluted the flag before reviewing units taking part in a military parade, organised on the occasion.

Later, President Ben Ali delivered the order of the day where he stressed the role of the Tunisian army which he said will "remain forever a privileged school initiating successive generations to discipline, abnegation and the cult of honor and loyalty."

He also hailed the army's role in the country's development and more particularly in the projects it carried out at the edge of the Sahara in the locality of R'jim Maatoug whose works are nearing completion.

He also evoked the role of Tunisian military personnel operating within the framework of United Nations peace keeping missions whose actions "bring to their country respect and dignity".

After addressing the military personnel attending the event, President Ben Ali gave their insignias to the officers promoted to a higher rank and decorated a number of officers with the military medal.