President Ben Ali’s swearing-in address receives important international media coverage
The address delivered Thursday by President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali at his swearing in ceremony after re-election has been largely covered by international and Arab news agencies .
The news agencies highlighted more particularly the fact that the Head of State had insisted on the rejection of any foreign interference in the country’s domestic affairs, commitment to its independence, sovereignty and freedom of decision, as well as his condemnation of the behaviour of some people who believe that the titles they attribute to themselves allow them to violate the laws of the country and to cause harm to it.
The foreign media also reported large extracts of the President’s address in which he reaffirms care to further promote the political life and the democratic practice that have become a constant choice in Tunisia.
“Reuters” news agency reproduced extracts in which the President expresses Tunisia’s rejection of any foreign interference in its affairs, affirming that this is a violation of Tunisia’s sovereignty and also interference in the affairs of the Arab Maghreb and the African union. The news agency outpointed in this regard that the President had submitted the issue to these two unions “to adopt the necessary position and protest against these abuses” which are contrary to the principle of respect for the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their affairs.
The French Agence France Presse (AFP) news agency reported for its part in its Arabic and French-language services the answer of President Ben Ali to those who criticize the situation of human rights and liberties in Tunisia, emphasizing the condemnation by the Head of State of their allegiance to foreign countries in so far as it is an ethically, politically and legally unacceptable behaviour. The news agency reports the Head of State’s statement underlining that patriotism cannot be subjected to blackmail , outbidding or personal calculations because it means “sincerity, loyalty , devotion and sacrifice, sense of honour and belonging.”
United Press news agency reported, for its part, the strong condemnation of foreign interference in Tunisia’s domestic affairs and the Head ofState’s statement that the law is above all and all citizens are equal before the law. The news agency highlighted the President’s promise to carry out the economic and social measures set forth in his election platform for next stage which aims in particular to take up the challenge of employment and improve living conditions for Tunisians.
Libya’s “JANA” news agency stressed in turn the significance of the President’s address as regards Tunisia’s commitment to its independence, sovereignty, freedom of decision as well as its rejection of any interference in its domestic affairs.
Qatar’s “QUNA” news agency insisted for its part on the statements of the Head of State affirming that Tunisia accepts constructive criticism and difference of opinion, is strongly committed to its independence, sovereignty and freedom of decision , and so rejects any interference in its affairs and allows nobody to damage its reputation .
Morocco’s “MAP” news agency highlighted the decision of President Ben Ali to reinforce political pluralism and increase the presence of national parties and components of the civil society in public life, as well as his care to promote the freedom of opinion and expression and the sector of information.
China’s “XINHUA” news agency reported in turn the president’s care to see to it that the diversity of approaches and opinion be a source to enrich the democratic climate and public life and consolidate the role of political parties and civil society. (TAP)
