‘Tunis Targets Arab Blogger’

Regarding Eli Lake’s story “Tunis Targets Pro-Freedom Arab Blogger” [Page 1, March 31, 2006]

Tunisia is a country governed by the rule of law. There can be no “campaign of intimidation” against any individual in Tunisia because of his views. The rights and freedoms of all citizens are guaranteed by the Constitution and are an everyday reality. Democratic reform has ensured the opposition with larger political participation and means of unfettered expression of its views.

The Tunisian authorities have nothing to do with whatever problems Neila Charchour Hachicha says she is encountering in her private life. And, as in all countries governed by the rule of law, all citizens are equal and the judiciary is independent. Whatever his or her politics or personal considerations, no individual can claim immunity from prosecution for himself of herself, if he or she breaks the law. Mrs. Hachicha seems to imply that her husband, who was convicted by a court of law of real-estate fraud, should be above the law. Nobody in today’s Tunisia is above the law. As part of the due process of law, her husband has in fact enjoyed all his rights, including his right to adequate defense counsel. He is currently free to appeal his sentence before higher courts.

Political pluralism is a fact of life in the country today. The country’s eight opposition parties express themselves publicly and freely on all issues. Opposition parties are represented in Parliament and all elected and consultative bodies. Civil society is free, dynamic and diverse. There are more than 8,500 associations active in all areas of activity.

Freedom of the press is a tangible reality. Freedom of opinion and expression is guaranteed by the Tunisian Constitution and is reflected in the public debate. Since 1987, successive reforms have been introduced to promote press freedoms. Nearly 90% of the country’s more than 245 newspapers and magazines in Tunisia are privately owned and editorially independent. Opposition newspapers come out regularly and do receive state support, without consideration of their political affiliation. Tunisian citizens enjoyed unfettered access to national and international media, be it print, audiovisual or electronic, including unrestricted access to satellite dishes. More than 1,000 foreign publications are also distributed in the country.

Tunisia’s social and economic achievements, which Mr. Lake acknowledges, are matched by a solid track record of tangible accomplishments in promoting democracy and anchoring the rule of law.

TAOUFIK CHEBBI
Press Counselor
Embassy of Tunisia
Washington, D.C.

‘Talks With Tehran’

I would like to clarify my remarks at the Council on Foreign Relations Symposium that The New York Sun reported on April 6, 2006. [“Talks With Tehran Spell Danger, Professor Warns,” Ira Stoll, Page 1.]

I pointed out that the Iranian nuclear program is an issue of pride, prestige, and diversification of national energy resources.

I substantiated the political nature of the Iranian nuclear negotiations with the West. I raised the proposition that the perception of the Iranian elites of American intentions is that the U.S. has a variety of objectives and that its demands are not confined to the nuclear program of Iran.

I did not make any statements about the advocates of democracy in Iran. I only pointed out that democracy can be advanced along with economic privatization.

I proposed that the U.S. could draw lessons from the Nixon Doctrine in its approach toward Iran. The Iranian political system is following an evolutionary course. The U.S. should focus on policies. A change of policies on both sides can serve the two countries’ mutual national interests.

MAHMOOD SARIOLGHALAM
Professor of International Relations
National University of Iran
Editor’s Note: A transcript of the professor’s remarks is available at http://www.cfr.org/publication/10389/irans_nuclear_program_symposium.html

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