12 November 2009
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Tunis — In an address delivered at the Chamber of Deputies on Thursday on the occasion of his swearing-in ceremony, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali said that "pluralism has become a tangible reality in the makeup of the Chamber of deputies", noting that for the first time in history Tunisian opposition parties make up 25% of the Chamber.
President Ben Ali also stressed the importance of difference of opinion as one of constant principles "we are committed to adopting and defending", adding that "Patriotism and allegiance to Tunisia alone are on top of those principles".
"An authentic Tunisian" said President Ben Ali "is one that never accepts that any party causes harm to his country and never accepts to be party to this harm in whatever form and for whatever reason".
He reiterated that "the law is above all, and all citizens are equal before the law".
Evoking his five year program under the motto "Together We Meet Challenges", President Ben Ali said that "Today we move together towards the future, determined as never before, to meet challenges and win stakes".
In his address, President Ben Ali also announced a set of measures including increasing State grants to political parties represented in the Chamber of Deputies. He also vowed to further promote quality of life for all Tunisians, and stressed the fact that "employment remains an absolute priority in our program for the future".
Among the measures announced, President Ben Ali said that 10,000 university graduates will be employed within the framework of national program in partnership with the associative fabric. He also announced the launch of the first phase of a technological space, over an area of some 200,000 square meters that will attract internationally renowned institutions.
A set of financial measures was also announced including the extension till the end of 2010 of the granting of the investment allowance, raising from 15 to 25,000 dinars the ceiling of ordinary credits granted by the Tunisian Solidarity Bank, increasing the ceiling of micro-credits to 5000 dinars, and reducing customs rate for nearly to 1000 customs nomenclatures.
Other measures include increasing from 750 to 1000 dinars the amount to be deducted for children with disabilities, as well as increasing from 2000 to 2500 dinars the tax exemption ceiling. The annual tourist allowance will also be increased to 6000 dinars, said President Ben Ali, who also announced that transfer related authorizations for non-resident enterprises will be abolished.
"I will strive to make sure Tunisians live in security, serenity, and dignity in their country, their heads held high, with honor and dignity, and that Tunisia remains a unique and distinguished model in its regional environment, always respected and held in high regard, and continuously embracing success and excellence", concluded President Ben Ali.
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