August 1, 2021
1 min read

US NSA presses Tunisia’s president for swift return to democratic path

Tunisian President Kais Saied invoked a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic and poor governance to dismiss the prime minister…reports Asian Lite News

National security adviser Jake Sullivan urged Tunisia’s president on Saturday to outline a swift return to the “democratic path” following his seizure of governing powers last Sunday, the White House said.

Tunisian President Kais Saied invoked a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic and poor governance to dismiss the prime minister, freeze parliament and seize executive control in a move welcomed by street rallies but which his opponents branded a coup.

In a phone call, Sullivan underscored to Saied the need for “rapidly forming a new government, led by a capable prime minister to stabilize Tunisia’s economy and confront the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as ensuring the timely return of the elected parliament,” the White House National Security Council said in a statement.

Last week, Kais Saied has appointed Ridha Gharsallaoui as the new Interior Minister.

During the inauguration ceremony on Thursday, the new Minister “took the constitutional oath before the President.”

Saied stressed that “this oath, in accordance with article 89, proves full compliance with the provisions of the Tunisian Constitution”, the statement added.

Gharsallaoui is specialised in the areas of intelligence, anti-terrorism and logistical support, according to local media reports.

Thursday’s appointment came four days after Saied removed Hichem Mechichi from the post of Prime Minister and acting Interior Minister, and suspended all activities of the Assembly of People’s Representatives, or Parliament.

Saied is temporarily heading the government until he appoints a new Prime Minister.

The President had also annulled the immunity of all Parliament members.

ALSO READ: UAE sends 500K vax doses to Tunisia

Previous Story

Kriti speaks on challenges over 12 years career

Next Story

UN urged to curb ‘Iranian terrorism’ after armed drone strike

Latest from -Top News

Ghana Welcomes PM Modi

Hundreds of people, including locals, started chanting “Modi-Modi”, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” as soon as PM Modi arrived at the hotel….reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi received

Musk Signals Thaw in Trump Rift

Musk credited Trump for resolving major global conflicts, tagging a Truth Social post to back his claim….reports Asian Lite News Tesla CEO and former presidential advisor Elon Musk appeared to signal a

Tibetans Slam China’s ‘Reincarnation Politics’

Sikyong said the Chinese government is systematically working to erase Tibetan identity by targeting its language and religion, core pillars of its cultural heritage….reports Asian Lite News With the Dalai Lama entrusting
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Kamala Harris due in South Korea

Harris is scheduled to meet President Yoon Suk-yeol shortly after

‘US felt blindsided by Saudi Arabia reconciliation with Iran’

Riyadh and Tehran last month agreed to re-establish full diplomatic