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WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member
of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following
statement to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Tunisia’s
ouster of former dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali:
“Ten
years ago today, the people of Tunisia cast off their authoritarian regime
and began an inspiring journey towards freedom, democracy and the rule of
law. In the ten years since, Tunisia has become a close and trusted security
partner for the United States, as well as a major-non-NATO ally, while the
people of Tunisia remain dedicated to representative democracy in a region
where autocrats continue to quash such efforts.
“To
be sure, Tunisia’s path to democracy has been arduous, as almost all
worthwhile endeavors are. Continuing economic stagnation has led to
widespread frustration among Tunisians while the ongoing chaos in neighboring
Libya continues to pose a risk to Tunisian security. Throughout it all,
however, the dedication of Tunisians to their country and their democracy has
been nothing short of inspiring.
“From
the first protests ten years ago, Tunisia has enjoyed bipartisan and
bicameral support here in Congress for its security, prosperity and
ever-closer relationship with the United States. Here in the United States we
have been tragically recently reminded of just how fragile democracy can be.
We must continue our efforts at home and abroad to work in support of
upholding fundamental democratic ideals. I was pleased to join Senator Romney
last Congress in passing a resolution
in support of the U.S.-Tunisia relationship and its ongoing democratizing
efforts and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress, and
with the incoming administration, to ensure that this support continues.”
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