Ban congratulates Tunisia for finalizing Constitution

Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday spoke to Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki to congratulate him on the "progress achieved in Tunisia's transitional process," his press office said in a statement. Ban's call was prompted in particular by the country's National Constituent Assembly which finalized the approval of each article of the Constitution, which represents an "important milestone for Tunisia." The Assembly is scheduled to vote on the Constitution as a whole on Sunday. It is expected to be approved by a two-thirds majority. It has been described as the most progressive Constitution in the Arab world. "The Secretary General reiterated his commitment and that of the United Nations to continue to support the people and the Government of Tunisia as they move towards a more democratic, prosperous and equitable future," the UN statement said. Ban told the General Assembly last week that countries in transition, mainly Egypt, "can take inspiration from the imminent adoption of a new constitution in Tunisia - a landmark for its people and an example for other States.