UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon calls for 'rule of law' in Tunisia

Record ID: 560444

  • Title: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon calls for 'rule of law' in Tunisia
  • Date: 18th January 2011
  • Summary: ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (JANUARY 17, 2010) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF UN SECRETARY GENERAL BAN KI-MOON ENTERING NEWS CONFERENCE AUDIENCE LISTENING (SOUNDBITE) (English) UN SECRETARY GENERAL BAN KI-MOON, SAYING: "While I feel encouraged by the ongoing dialogue between the care-taker government and the large array of political parties and civil society organisations, I remain extremely concerned about the continuing violence and the resulting loss of lives and property. I urge all concerned parties to ensure immediate end to the violence. This is a moment for the Tunisian people to strengthen the country's long standing culture of political moderation and its attachment to peace. I call on the government and all stake holders to ensure a prompt restoration of the rule of law and to respect and accommodate the aspirations of the people. Tunisia must regain its stability as soon as possible to pursue the path of development and prosperity. I urge the international community to support effort to restore genuine democracy in the country. The events in Tunisia highlight the economic and social need of the population. Dialogue is essential to resolve problems peacefully and to prevent any further violence and escalation." AUDIENCE LISTENING (SOUNDBITE) (English) UN SECRETARY GENERAL BAN KI-MOON, SAYING: "I am closely monitoring developments in Lebanon and I fully support the work of the special tribunal for Lebanon. It is an independent tribunal established at the request of the government of Lebanon with a clear mandate from the U.N. security council. The independent judiciary process should not be linked with any political debate. It is important not to prejudge the outcome of the investigation and no one should politicise the work of the tribunal. In this context I'd like to stress the need for calm dialogue and respect for the country's laws and constitution. I reiterate my full support for the independent work of the tribunal and I have full confidence in its staff." VARIOUS OF NEWS CONFERENCE
  • Embargoed: 2nd February 2011 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: United Arab Emirates, United Arab Emirates
  • Country: United Arab Emirates
  • Topics: International Relations
  • Reuters ID: LVA9QK43K231ZSTPO9V7TR7JGRUH
  • Story Text: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said he on Monday (January 17) that he was encouraged by the forces of democracy in Tunisia but that the violence must stop.
    More clashes erupted overnight between demonstrators and security forces after the president was forced out of office by a popular revolt. On Monday chaos continued to grip the streets of the capital Tunis where about a thousand people demanded the ruling party be banned from any new government and clashed again with police which used teargas and fired in the air to disperse the crowd.
    "While I feel encouraged by the ongoing dialogue between the care-taker government and the large array of political parties and civil society organisations, I remain extremely concerned about the continuing violence and the resulting loss of lives and property. I urge all concerned parties to ensure immediate end to the violence. This is a moment for the Tunisian people to strengthen the country's long standing culture of political moderation and its attachment to peace. I call on the government and all stake holders to ensure a prompt restoration of the rule of law and to respect and accommodate the aspirations of the people," the U.N chief said, speaking at a news conference in Abu Dhabi.
    Asked if he thought the situation in Tunisia would spread to other countries in the Middle East, he said he was not in a position to comment on the implications, but added that the situation highlighted the need for governments to address the needs of people.
    Ban also said he was closely watching developments in Lebanon. He said he supported the U.N. backed special tribunal set up to try the assassins of Rafik al-Hariri and that the process should remain separate from politics.
    "It is important not to prejudge the outcome of the investigation and no one should politicise the work of the tribunal. In this context I'd like to stress the need for calm dialogue and respect for the country's laws and constitution. I reiterate my full support for the independent work of the tribunal and I have full confidence in its staff," said Ban.
    Ministers from Hezbollah and its allies resigned on January 12, toppling the Lebanese government of Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri before expected indictments over his father's killing.
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