Tunisian president vows freedom to the opposition

The Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali vowed to provide the opposition in his country a better environment.

In the speech he delivered on the occasion of celebrating the 18th anniversary of his accession to power, Ben Ali stressed "his solid belief " on the need of supporting parties and improving political pluralism, as a guarantee for consolidating democracy and enhancing its components, adding that the state will give in this regard more financial support for the parties.

The Tunisian president also announced in his speech the intention of the government to give financial support for the opposition papers in the country, that suffer the lack of support.

Ben Ali defended his country's record in the field of human rights, noting what has been achieved in the field "of democratic progress and consolidation of pluralism," which he said has become a tangible reality on the national arena, as well as improving human rights and protecting it and disseminating its culture. He vowed to achieve more progress in all these areas.

The Tunisian president also issued a decision to expand the higher council for telecommunications so as to include various political trends.

This announcement made by the Tunisian president came one day after a pardon for prisoners from the banned Islamic al-Nahda movement. These steps are considered strong signals for greater openness for his government on the opposition.

Ben Ali's steps also come at a time when eyes are directed at Tunis where 7 opposition members continue an open hunger strike demanding more freedom and the release of prisoners of opinion and permitting political activities on the eve of the country's hosting of the world summit on information which is expected to be attended by 45 world leaders, official figures and civil organizations.

Analysists considered Ben Ali's statements and decisions as a direct response to criticism by opposition members and human rights activists on the Tunisian government.