Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Mr. Essebsi argued that it seemed to be in the interest of several factions in Tunisia that chaos continues.
TUNIS—Caretaker Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebsi of Tunisia expressed his hope to Al Arabiya News Channel that calm will be restored to the country very soon. He stressed the importance of security in ensuring a smooth revival of the economy.
“After a quarter of a century of oppression, the ouster of Ben Ali’s regime has triggered immense joy across the country. However, the accompanying security vacuum weakened Tunisia and it has now become critical to restore calm in order to emerge strong again,” Mr. Essebsi said in an interview with Al Arabiya Tuesday.
Despite stressing that the situation has been changing to the better since he took office in February 2011, Mr. Essebsi argued that it seemed to be in the interest of several factions in Tunisia that chaos continues. However, he refused to name specific parties.
“We will take all the necessary measures against the culprits as soon as we have proof. Until this happens, we cannot accuse anyone,” he said.
When asked about the role of the military in the new government, Mr. Essebsi stressed that Tunisia is a civil country and that no other parties interfere in the government’s decisions.
“My cabinet does not give in to any kind of pressure no matter where it comes from,” the prime minister said.
Mr. Essebsi said that elections would take place on July 24 in order for all involved parties to get ready for the process and to guarantee the required transparency in Tunisia’s first democratic polls since the post-independence elections.
“I am very optimistic about the elections,” he said. “The freedom Tunisia is enjoying now will see the emergence of many parties and although some parties have not been formed yet, I am sure that the closer election time becomes, the more organized political entities will become.”
Mr. Essebsi said that with the security situation gradually improving, the economy is starting to come back to life and factories that were closed are now reopening. He said that national projects to improve living standards in impoverished areas are being launched.
He also stressed the importance of restoring full security in order to bring back foreign investors and to revive tourism.
“We are working on eliminating negative phenomena that might scare foreigners away like praying and giving sermons in the streets,” said.
As for the assets abroad of ousted President Zein el-Abedin Ben Ali, Mr. Essebsi stressed that Tunisia had approached the relevant countries on both the diplomatic and judicial levels.
“These countries will act according to what they see is for the best, yet we cannot force our will on anyone,” he said.
Regarding the possibility of turning to foreign aid to revive the economy, Mr. Essebsi said it would be only accepted when directed toward projects that have clear goals. He also welcomed investments by the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
“We will be grateful to all countries that are willing to help us out,” he said.
However, amid talk of American and French attempts to influence the way things go in Tunisia, Mr. Essebsi said Tunisia would never give up its freedom.
“We cooperate with all countries but without making any concessions as far as Tunisia’s sovereignty is concerned. Tunisia is an independent state,” he said.
(This story by Al Arabiya’s Mohammed al-Hadi al-Hanashi was translated from Arabic by Sonia Farid, also of Al Arabiya.)
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