Tunisia- Béji Caïd Essebsi comment concerning journalists.

On Tuesday, Tunisia received the honour to be the first country in the Middle East and Africa to host the 30th conference of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).In his inaugural speech, President Béji Caïd Essebsi graciously extended his sincere gratitude toward the federation for the trust and unshakable faith they gently put in Tunisia and the National Union of Tunisian Journalists. Stressing it is a recognition for Tunisia democratic gains.

The President praised the grand sacrifices made by countless generations of journalists, especially the late National Union of Tunisian Journalists president’s Néjiba Hamrouni. He further, stressed that Tunisia will make its utmost efforts in establishing and embedding the revolution’s key gains of democracy and freedom of speech.

The president emphasized his considered belief in the strategic partnership with the National Union of Tunisian Journalists. In order, to improve the operating conditions and expand freedom of speech. The president further, stressed that despite the recently witnessed violations, the overall situation is better than going back to the area of suppression.

Extending his refusal to imprison journalists. The president stressed the need to devote more attention to the liquidation of laws that prohibit freedom of publication and speech.