France reafirms support to Tunisia's anti-terrorism efforts, democratization

French President Francois Hollande on Tuesday renewed commitment of his country to backing up Tunisia's efforts to combat terrorism and realize the targets of democratic transition. During his meeting with visiting Tunisian interim President Moncef Marzouki, Hollande said Paris attached great importance to the issues of human rights and the track of democratic transition in Tunisia, according to a press release by the Elysee Palace. Terrorism poses a big threat to democratization that could nip democracy in the bud, he said, reaffirming France's support to the efforts of the Tunisian authorities to combat all forms of terrorism. Meanwhile, Marzouki expressed confidence in the ability of Tunisia to overcome all challenges of the transitional stage and press ahead with building a transparent democracy. Secretary General of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) Hassine Abassi announced last night that the quartet sponsoring the national dialogue had decided to suspend the dialogue until there is a solid ground for its success. The suspension followed the failure of the leaders of the main political parties to name a new prime minister