President Ben Ali has hailed Tunisia's "major strides towards development and progress" in a speech to mark Eid El Adha and the start of the new year.
Recognising achievements to date, the president also affirmed his "commitment to move forward … to enrich democracy, pluralism, human rights and the process of comprehensive sustainable development."
He hoped that Tunisia's successful cooperation with its neighbours in the Arab Maghreb Union would hold a torch to other African countries so that "the African continent ... may overcome its crises, allowing its people to devote themselves to the task of building and development."
A major step was taken in Tunisian political life on December 24th when a woman, May Eljeribi, was elected head of the main opposition party, the Progressive Democratic Party- a first for a North African country.
Turning to the Middle East, the president recognised the "difficult situation" faced by the Iraqi people, and hoped Iraq would "find its way towards the consecration of its national unity within the framework of peace and stability."
The president concluded with his personal hope "that the new year be a harbinger of well-being for all of humanity so that understanding and cooperation may prevail".
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President recognises "major strides" made by Tunisia
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