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Secretary-General Applauds Tunisia’s Elections as ‘Crucial Step’, ‘Decisive Milestone’ in Transition to Democracy

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General congratulates the Tunisian people on the occasion of the country’s legislative elections on 26 October.  As the Secretary-General noted during his recent visit to Tunisia, these elections are a crucial step for the country's future and mark a decisive milestone in the transition to democracy.  Just as this moment comes with a great deal of hope, there remain crucial tasks ahead for the next Government.  He reiterates that the United Nations stands ready to support Tunisia in this respect.

The Secretary-General also congratulates the Tunisian electoral authorities for their efforts in organizing the polling and their continued work on the presidential elections next month.

For information media. Not an official record.