Azubalis pledges to help rebuild Tunisia

VILNIUS - The chairman of the OSCE, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Azubalis, has said that the organization is prepared to help rebuild Tunisia following the recent unrest.

"The Tunisian people are embarking on a historic mission to create a more free and prosperous society. This mission has to succeed as an example of a transformation of society,” Azubalis said during a meeting with Mouldi Kefi, Foreign Minister of Tunisia.

Azubalis stressed that assistance from the international community is instrumental in the process of democratic transition and emphasized that "the OSCE has considerable experience and expertise in helping countries in transition, to create democratic institutions and civil society”, a press release from the organization said.

Among possible areas where the OSCE could help Tunisia, he mentioned electoral support, development of the independent media, drafting legislation, police reform, border management, travel document security and migration management.

"The OSCE is ready to co-operate immediately with Tunisia on urgent needs, such as the organization of free and fair elections, and also to offer its expertise in the medium and long term in building and consolidating democracy,” Azubalis said.

Unrest in Tunisia forced longtime strongman Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to step down on January 14, after 23 years in power. The unrest helped spark more action across the entire Middle East and North Africa.

Constituent assembly elections in the country are scheduled for 24 July.