Dialogue paves way for solving Tunisia's political crisis

The Tunisia's national dialogue is considered as a Tunisian peculiarity, as it reassured Tunisians and enhanced their faith in their ability to resolve their problems in an independent and civilized way, said Tunisian prime minister Ali Laarayedh Wednesday. The prime minister made the remarks in the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) when opening the sessions aimed to discuss the draft budget law for 2014. Laarayedh praised what he regarded the perseverance of the political rivals in Tunisia to prioritize the national interest, despite their disagreements. "Dialogue, ever since the uprising broke out in 2011, has always been the sole dynamic that has organized the political atmosphere and the main mechanism that everyone would resort to in order to reach consensual solutions," he said. A national dialogue overseen by the labor union UGTT has helped resolve Tunisia's long-standing political crisis that was triggered by the assassination of opposition politician Mohamed Brahmi late July. "The success of the process will be completed by speeding up the constitutional process, and organizing the upcoming elections according to international standards of transparency and fairness, " added Laarayedh. The secretary general of the UGTT, Houcine Abbassi announced Monday that the constitutional process will be over by next January 13th, one day before the third anniversary of the Tunisian uprising that culminated in the ousting of the Ben Ali regime. Laarayedh said Wednesday that Tunisia will be granted a modern constitution that protects rights and freedoms and lays the foundations for constitutional institutions that would enhance economic development and social justice. Laarayedh highlighted that the success of the Tunisian experience will make of the country "an example for the revolution that succeeded and the transition that resulted in establishing a free, fair and flourishing state." The prime minister mentioned that the Tunisia's feeble transition might be hindered by the "terrorist" attacks. Therefore, he stated that the government will not hesitate to fight the danger of terrorism with a clear vision and vigorous measures to implement the law and a strong will to pursue terrorists, as an organization, cells or individuals.