US expresses relief for Tunisian new constitution, government

US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns expressed his government's relief Saturday over the ratification of the new constitution and formation of a government in Tunisia.Burns, in a statement following his meeting with Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa, said the US government was committed to supporting bilateral relations and cooperation with Tunisia.He said the US would allocate USD 10 million to provide scholarships for Tunisians wishing to study in American universities.Burns said US President Barack Obama had emphasized in his State of Union speech the importance of the success of the Tunisian democratic experience.Burns said the Tunisian people succeeded in their revolution three years ago, and were today establishing a future based on democracy, freedom, dignity and progress.He said he and Jomaa discussed the need of completing the democratic transition, specially the electoral law, setting a date for the next elections, creating jobs, economic reforms and how the US could help Tunisia in these areas.Burns said he would meet with head of Ennahda Movement Rashed Ghannouchi and head of the Call of Tunisia Party Beji Kaid Sebsi to urge them contribute to the democratic transition.Burns, who met with Caretaker President Moncef Marzouki, said the Tunisian revolution was inspirational for people in the region (pickup previous) nm.