Tunis — During his meeting with Mr. Rafik Belhaj Kacem , Minister of the interior and local development , President Ben Ali was handed a report on the activities of the Ministry.

He was also briefed on the activities undertaken within the framework of the material and legal preparations of the municipal elections, which are due to be held on May 9, 2010.

President Ben Ali stressed the importance of these elections as a renewed opportunity to strengthen the pluralist, democratic process within the respect of transparency and the rule of law.

President Ben Ali also focused in the 27 th meeting of the Arab Council of Ministers of the Interior which is due to be held on March 16 and 17,2010.