WASHINGTON – Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah), yesterday introduced a Senate resolution to reaffirm the U.S.-Tunisia partnership, and to publicly support Tunisia’s ongoing transition into a vibrant and stable democracy. As Tunisia heads towards scheduled parliamentary and presidential elections later this year, the senators praised the Tunisian people and their political leaders for their commitment to democracy and rule of law.
“I am pleased to introduce this resolution reaffirming the strong partnership between Tunisia and the United States,” said Senator Menendez. “Across the Middle East and across the world, it is critical that the United States stand strong with partners in pursuit of democratic values including free and fair elections, respect for the rule of law, and universal freedoms and rights for all citizens. Particularly as instability mounts around its borders, it is critical to reaffirm our support and our shared values, interests, and pursuit of long term stability and security.”
“As the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over matters concerning U.S. relations with Tunisia, I’m proud to join ranking member Menendez in introducing this resolution today,” said Senator Romney. “With this resolution, we reaffirm the partnership between Tunisia and the United States and support the Tunisian people in their pursuit of freedom and democracy.”
During the Arab Spring protests of 2011, Tunisians ousted dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, and held the first competitive elections of the Arab Spring. Despite facing economic and security challenges, Tunisia has continued to reform its political system, adopting a new constitution in 2014 and holding new elections that same year.
A copy of the resolution can be found here.
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