2017

February 17, 2017 – Readout of the President’s Call with President Beji Caid Essebsi of Tunisia

President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Beji Caid Essebsi of Tunisia to discuss Tunisia’s democratic transition and our counterterrorism partnership. President Trump praised Tunisia’s stability and security as it continues its democratic transition more than six years after the revolution in January 2011. The two leaders also discussed the terrorist threats that Tunisia is facing and the importance of counterterrorism cooperation. The leaders reaffirmed the historic United States-Tunisia relationship and agreed to maintain close cooperation, including on security matters, and seek additional ways to expand cooperation between the two countries.

2015

November 25, 2015 – Statement by NSC Spokesperson Ned Price on the Terrorist Attack in Tunisia

The United states condemns in the strongest terms yesterday’s terrorist attack against members of Tunisia’s security forces. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and wounded. We are prepared to assist Tunisian authorities in the coming days as they investigate this attack. Terrorists have sought to use fear and violence to undermine the important gains the Tunisian people have made in pursuit of a democratic, stable, and prosperous country. We will continue to provide robust security, economic, and governance support as they build upon the progress achieved since 2011.

November 24, 2015 – Press Release on Terrorist Attack on Tunisian Security Forces

The United States strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack in Tunis that targeted a bus carrying members of Tunisia’s security forces, killing at least 12 people. We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims’ families and have offered assistance with Tunisian authorities’ investigation. Secretary Kerry was proud to stand with Tunisian leaders earlier this month in Tunis and reaffirm our countries’ extensive economic, governance, and security cooperation. We will continue to support the Tunisian people as they work to build a democratic and prosperous future for their country.

October 9, 2015 – Statement by the President Congratulating the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize Recipients

On behalf of the American people, I congratulate Tunisia’s National Dialogue Quartet on winning the Nobel Peace Prize. This brave coalition of workers, industry, lawyers and human rights advocates is an inspiring reminder that lasting peace and security can only be achieved when citizens are empowered to forge their own future and that democracy is both possible and necessary in the North Africa and the Middle East.

In the five years since a Tunisian fruit vendor set himself on fire to protest an oppressive dictatorship, the Tunisian people have made remarkable strides in building an inclusive democracy, and the Quartet has played an indispensable role. When the promise of the Jasmine Revolution was in doubt, the Quartet helped to bring Tunisians together in a peaceful dialogue. With the Quartet’s support, Tunisians voted in free elections, forged a new constitution that upholds human rights and equality for all people, including women and minorities, and formed a national unity government, including secular and Islamist parties, showing that democracy and Islam can indeed thrive together.

Today’s award is therefore also a tribute to the perseverance and courage of the Tunisian people who, in the face of political assassinations and terrorist attacks, have come together in a spirit of unity, compromise and tolerance. I welcomed President Caid Essebsi, Tunisia’s first democratically elected president, to the White House this year to reaffirm America’s support for Tunisia’s democracy, and I have been proud to meet with Tunisian students–young men and women who are working to create more opportunity and prosperity in their country. In a region gripped by so much tumult and violence, Tunisia points the way to a better future – one in which stability is pursued through peaceful dialogue, not violence and division.

Just as the world must support the Tunisian people, we must stand with civil society groups around the world who advocate, often at great risk to themselves, for the human rights and inherent dignity of every human being. In this never-ending work for justice and peace, these fearless men and women have a steadfast partner in the United States of America.

October 9, 2015 – Statement by Secretary Kerry on the Nobel Peace Prize for the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet

I congratulate Tunisia’s National Dialogue Quartet for their selection as winners of the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize. This extraordinary honor recognizes the critical role civil society organizations played following the Tunisian revolution — by preserving national unity and constructing a political process that led to both a constitution and free and fair national elections.

As assassinations and street protests roiled domestic politics in 2013, the National Dialogue Quartet played an invaluable role in keeping Tunisia’s transition on track. These organizations promoted consensus-building and social cooperation by working across the spectrum of Tunisian society to advance dialogue and foster Tunisia’s continuing democratic transition. Their inspiring achievement is a shining example for all societies that are working towards an inclusive transition from dictatorship to democracy.

We laud Tunisian leaders from across the political spectrum who worked with the Quartet and others in civil society and who made difficult compromises for the sake of the Tunisian people. The Tunisian model of inclusivity and respecting fundamental freedoms of all its citizens is the best answer to the violence and extremist ideologies that have torn apart other countries in the region.

The United States remains committed to supporting the Tunisian people and their government as they continue to strengthen and protect their democracy and fulfill their aspirations for a safe, secure, and prosperous future.

June 26, 2015 – Statement by the Press Secretary on Attacks in France, Kuwait, and Tunisia

The United States condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks in France, Kuwait, and Tunisia today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of these heinous attacks, their loved ones, and the people of all three countries. As the President has discussed with his French, Kuwaiti, and Tunisian counterparts in recent weeks, we are resolute and united in our shared effort to fight the scourge of terrorism.

We stand with these nations as they respond to attacks on their soil today, and we have been in contact with appropriate counterparts in all three countries to offer any necessary support. Terrorism has no place in any society, and the United States will continue to work closely with our international partners to combat terrorist actors and counter violent extremism around the globe.

June 26, 2015 – Congressional Tunisia Caucus Co-Chairs, Reps. Schweikert and Hastings, Condemn Terrorist Attack in Sousse, Tunisia

Congressman David Schweikert: “Joyce and I extend our deepest sympathies to the victims of today’s senseless violence in Sousse, Tunisia and condemn in the strongest terms this act of terrorism. Today’s attack is against democracy as a whole.”

“Time and again, the Tunisian people have stood up against terror for the universal values that generations of our people have defended. Tunisia’s thirst for democracy will endure well beyond the hateful vision of these killers. Again, I express my deepest condolences to the victims and families affected by today’s attack, and I wish the Tunisian people peace during the remainder of Ramadan.

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings: “My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those lost in today’s horrific terrorist attack at a beach resort in Sousse, Tunisia. The United States must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Tunisian government as it continues to take brave and bold steps to solidify democracy in Tunisia and fight the terrorist who wish to destroy it.”

“These terrorists do not represent Islam, but rather a despicable attempt to undermine freedom and democracy in a country that works diligently to promote and strengthen both. The terrorist threat we witnessed today must be, and will be, defeated.”

Congressman David Schweikert and Congressman Alcee L. Hastings registered the Congressional Tunisia Caucus in the summer of 2013. Since its inception, the Caucus has worked to inform policy makers of the democratic transition in Tunisia, while strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Tunisia.

April 14, 2015 – Terrorist Designation of Ali Ouni Harzi

The Department of State has designated Ali Ouni Harzi as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism. The consequences of this designation include a prohibition against U.S. persons engaging in transactions with Ali Ouni Harzi and the freezing of all property and interests of Ali Ouni Harzi that are in the United States, or enter the United States or the possession or control of U.S. persons. Ali Ouni Harzi was also added to the UN 1267/1989 al-Qaida Sanctions List, requiring all member states to implement an assets freeze, a travel ban, and an arms embargo against Ali Ouni Harzi.

Syrian-based Tunisian national Ali Ouni Harzi joined Ansar al-Sharia in Tunisia (AAS-T) in 2011 and was a high-profile member known for recruiting volunteers, facilitating the travel of AAS-T fighters to Syria, and for smuggling weapons and explosives into Tunisia. AAS-T was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity under E.O. 13224, by the U.S. Department of State on January 13, 2014, and was added to the UN 1267/1989 al-Qaida Sanctions List on September 23, 2014.

March 28, 2015 – Secretary of State John Kerry on the Solidarity March in Tunis, Tunisia

On behalf of President Obama, I would like to express the United States’ solidarity with the Tunisian people as they march tomorrow in Tunis in defiance of the shocking and grotesque terrorist attack at the National Bardo Museum on March 18. The U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia, Jake Walles, will represent the United States at tomorrow’s event.

We join all those gathered from Tunisia and around the world in rejecting every form of terrorism. We commend Tunisians’ resolve, in the wake of this tragedy, to stand up for the ideals of their hard-fought, democratic revolution and applaud their efforts to build a free, secure, and prosperous future.

Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken looks forward to visiting Tunisia in early April to reaffirm our strong support for Tunisia and to discuss ways to expand our strategic partnership.

March 18, 2015 – Attack on the National Bardo Museum in Tunis, Tunisia

The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms today’s deadly terrorist attack at the National Bardo Museum in Tunis, where gunmen killed 19 people and wounded more than 20 others. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the victims’ families and loved ones. We commend Tunisian authorities’ rapid response to today’s wanton violence and their efforts to resolve the hostage situation and restore calm. The United States stands with the Tunisian people at this difficult time and continues to support the Tunisian government’s efforts to advance a secure, prosperous, and democratic Tunisia.

January 5, 2015 – Readout of President Obama’s Call with President Caid Essebsi of Tunisia

President Obama called President Beji Caid Essebsi of Tunisia today to congratulate him on his victory in Tunisia’s first presidential election under its new constitution. The President commended Tunisians for the spirit of peaceful compromise that has prevailed throughout their historic democratic transition of the last four years. He underscored the United States’ intent to continue strengthening and expanding our strategic partnership with Tunisia and emphasized our readiness to assist the incoming government as it works to meet all Tunisians’ aspirations for security and economic opportunity. The two leaders affirmed their desire for continued close cooperation and President Obama invited President Caid Essebsi to visit Washington to continue their discussion at a mutually agreeable date.

2014

October 27, 2014 – Secretary Kerry on Tunisia’s Presidential Election

I join President Obama in congratulating the Tunisian people on the success of yesterday’s legislative elections. We welcome this important step to form a democratically elected Parliament and to build the foundation for a democratic, secure, and prosperous future. This milestone in Tunisia’s transition to democracy exemplifies why Tunisia remains a beacon of hope, not only to the Tunisian people, but to the region and the world. I was encouraged to note the strong turnout and to see voting proceed peacefully and without any significant security incidents. The United States is committed to working with the next democratically elected government of Tunisia that will result from this vote.

October 26, 2014 – Statement by Secretary Kerry on Parliamentary Elections in Tunisia

October 26, 2014 – Statement by the President on Parliamentary Elections in Tunisia

On behalf of all Americans, I congratulate the people of Tunisia on the democratic election of a new parliament – an important milestone in Tunisia’s historic political transition. In casting their ballots today, Tunisians continued to inspire people across their region and around the world, as they did during Tunisia’s 2011 revolution and with the adoption of a new constitution earlier this year. Tunisia’s example reminds us all that dialogue, consensus-building, political pluralism, and peaceful assembly help form the bedrock of democracy. The United States reaffirms its commitment to supporting democracy in Tunisia, to our continued friendship with the people of Tunisia, and to partnering with the next government as it works to promote economic opportunity, protect freedom, and ensure security for all Tunisians.

September 8, 2014 – Message from Secretary Kerry

I deeply regret that I’m not able to join you today in Tunis, but I want you to know how strongly I support the goals and objectives of this “Invest in Tunisia” Conference. Tunisia has made remarkable progress in the past year: the ratification of a democratic constitution that respects universal rights; the installation of a new government committed to economic reform and security; and the agreement to hold parliamentary and presidential elections later this year. I strongly believe that Tunisia is indeed a “start-up democracy,” as Prime Minister Joma’s describes it, and a model for the rest of the region and beyond. The United States is investing in Tunisia’s success, and we are eager to work with our international partners, the international financial institutions, and the private sector to support Tunisia’s continued progress. I wish you all success in this important endeavor.

April 3, 2014 – U.S.-Tunisia Strategic Dialogue

Today, the United States and Tunisia launched the first-ever U.S.-Tunisia Strategic Dialogue. The Dialogue focused on areas in which the United States and Tunisia can expand their relationship to address challenges facing Tunisia: economy and investment, security, and governance and partnerships. Deputy Secretary of State William J. Burns and Tunisia’s Foreign Minister Monji Hamdi headed the respective delegations.

Both countries engaged in wide-ranging discussions that covered both bilateral and regional issues, including Tunisia’s historic democratic transition and its most recent successes in the ratification of the constitution and the formation of a new government. The United States also reaffirmed its support for fostering a safe and secure environment that is conducive to political stability, security and economic prosperity and that strengthens civil society, empowers youth, and solidifies the foundations of democracy.

The Strategic Dialogue illustrates the commitment of the United States and Tunisia to advance shared interests in a secure, stable, and prosperous Tunisia, and to further the strong friendship between the people of the United States and Tunisia. The United States and Tunisia look forward to a future session of the Strategic Dialogue to be held in Tunis in 2015 and to further strengthening our bilateral partnership