Statement from the Tunisian Civil Society
To the President of the United States of America

Mister President,

After the promulgation of the Tunisian constitution in 1957 and after the building of the foundations of our Republic under President Bourguiba, it has been 17 years that we have been waiting to make concrete President’s Ben Ali declaration of November 7th, 1987. It has been 17 years that we have been waiting for democracy and pluralism.

Between the late amendments by referendum of our constitution, the indoctrination of the Tunisian people through the state controlled media and the powerlessness of the opposition movements in front of the police repression and the partiality of the judicial system, the hope that had emerged with the declaration of November 7th, 1987, has gradually dissipated.

Our constitution remains anti-democratic and is losing its legitimacy. Our judiciary remains dependent on the executive and is prone to corruption. Our media remain under the abusive control of the state and have lost all credibility.

How, as citizens aware of our responsibilities, can we under those conditions, entrust the future of our children and of our country to a unique line of thought, which is bound to be fallible?

How, with a dependent and corrupt judiciary, can we claim our rights and exercise our citizen duties within the framework of our laws, without being subject to intimidation, repression, violence and arbitrary imprisonment?

How, without freedom of speech an association, can we defend our positions and convictions; communicate to the governing elites what we think of their choices and what we want for our future and that of our children?

How, will the international community retain its credibility if it continues to support dictators at the expense of their people?

After 17 years, and with the upcoming presidential elections, we are entering, disillusioned, a new era of silence, violence and repression, apprehensive about the uncertainties regarding the future of our nation, compounded with the anxiety generated by the current international insecurity and the extreme security measures and policies adopted by our country, as part of the war on terror.

Freedom of speech and association being the first steps towards the achievement of any credible democratic process, we seek your support, Mister President.

We want a genuine participation by all citizens and the assurance of the freedom of the media and the right of the public to have access to information with a variety of views and opinions.

Demand this freedom, Mister President, as is the solemn role of the President of the global superpower, in times of war and international insecurity.

Once this freedom acquired, the remaining steps will be our own challenge determined by our actions and responsibilities as citizens at our national level.

Respectfully

January 20th, 2004 The undersigned

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Including your name and family name.

The signatures will not be published. They will be collected until the 10th of February and then will be forwarded to the White House.

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