Secretary-General, in Message to Commemoration Ceremony, Says He Counts

On Government, People of Tunisia to ‘Continue to Inspire the World’

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, as delivered by Michael Møller, Acting Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, to the commemoration ceremony on the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Tunisia and the third anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity, 7 February:

I thank His Excellency President Moncef Marzouki for inviting me to participate in this historic occasion for the people of Tunisia.  I applaud the Government and people of Tunisia as we celebrate two important milestones:  the adoption of a new Constitution and the third anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity.

Three years ago, Tunisia led the way to democratic reform, economic equality and freedom in the region.  Despite many challenges to its unity and security, Tunisia remained committed to fulfilling the goals of the Revolution through dialogue and consensus.

I congratulate the Tunisian people for the wisdom and determination they have shown throughout these challenging times.  In addition to the adoption of the new Constitution, the formation of a new Government to lead the next steps of the transition and the positive prospects for legislative and presidential elections are promising signs for the future of the transition.

As Tunisia strives to achieve the aims of the Revolution and meet the aspirations of its people, it will be important for its political actors to continue to put the interests of the country first and to ensure that the next steps of the transition are conducted in a peaceful, inclusive and transparent manner.  Strengthening the democratic institutions created by the Constitution and related laws will contribute to promoting accountability and the rule of law with full respect to human rights.  Economic growth must also be pursued in an equitable and sustainable manner.

I call on members of the international community to increase support for Tunisia's efforts to consolidate its democracy and address the economic challenges ahead.

I count on the Government and people of Tunisia to continue to inspire the world as they did some three years ago, and serve as an example for dialogue and compromise in resolving political disputes across the region and beyond.

The United Nations will continue to stand by Tunisia as it moves towards a more democratic, prosperous and equitable future.

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For information media • not an official record