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Bin Ali Claims Support for Free Dialogue Despite Recent Violations in Tunisia
TUNISIA, July 28 (IslamOnline & News Agencies)- The Tunisian president Zein al-Abedin Bin Ali said he believes in the democracy of dialogue with its political and social dimensions, new agencies reported.
In a speech he delivered on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Tunisia, Bin Ali said: "We do believe that it is the pillars of the Republican system to protect the right of being in difference, consolidate dialogue and participation, support the components of civil society ... and honor the rights of minorities."
That, he said, was "the reason behind backing the work of the national parties and the organizations and the role of effective societies."
However, Bin Ali hasn't always greeted controversial opinions with open arms.
Earlier this month, Tunisian Ministry of Justice officially sacked magistrate Mokhtar Yahyawi in an immediate retaliatory reaction to his open criticism of Bin-Ali, news agencies reported.
In a letter to Bin-Ali published July 12 in the French newspaper 'Le Monde', Yahyawi had openly criticized the Tunisian president, asking him to give the judiciary its freedom and autonomy from the ruling power.
In the letter, Yahyawi severely criticized the Tunisian government's insistence on turning the judiciary into a state-controlled body.
The Ministry of Justice carried an investigation with Yahyawi on July 12 about the content of his letter, which intimated that Tunisian magistrates are coerced by the government into issuing verdicts that clash with the law.
"I expected no other reaction," said Yahyawi, quoted on Tuesday by the French newspaper 'Liberation'.
"I had already asked for leave from work when I sent President Bin-Ali my letter....I am prepared to suffer more punishments for the sake of an autonomous Tunisian judiciary," he added.
Yahyawi confirmed - in comments published July 12 in 'Le Monde' - that he was ready to go to prison if that means Bin-Ali will free the judiciary.
The French 'Liberation' described the state's official reaction to Yahyawi's democratic demands as an impediment to Bin-Ali's upcoming nomination for a fourth term of office.
Bin Ali came to office in 1987. He ruled with a hard line against Islamic activists, but inherited an economically stable country.
Despite introducing press freedoms and freeing some political prisoners, human rights groups have been critical of the government's treatment of its opponents.
Bin Ali faces reproach at home and abroad for the "99.9 per cent" his party has consistently won in elections, most recently the presidential poll in October 1999.
President Bin Ali was re-elected for a third term in the first pluralist presidential elections on 24th October 1999.
Meantime, Bin Ali and secretary general of the Arab league Amr Mussa held talks on several Arab issues and political developments of concern to the region.
Mussa, who is currently in an Arab Maghreb tour aiming at developing the Arab League and Arab developments, announced - following his meeting with the Tunisian President Bin Ali - that he acquainted the Tunisian President with the reforms he intends to introduce to the structures of the Arab League.
Mussa and Bin Ali also discussed the possibility of convening an Arab summit, and reviewed current developments inside the Palestinian territories in light of the escalated Israeli acts of repression against the Palestinians.
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