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Alistair Burt: "This year has been an historic one for Tunisia."

Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt made the following statement to mark Tunisian Independence Day

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

“I offer my sincere congratulations to the people of Tunisia on Tunisian Independence Day.”

“This year has been an historic one for Tunisia. In January, in a series of unprecedented events, the people of Tunisia made clear that it is they who will determine their future. I salute the courage of the hundreds of thousands of ordinary people who made their voices heard. Their actions have inspired others across the Arab world, with demands for greater political openness and democratic freedom being made in almost every country.

“It is also a time to commemorate those who lost their lives during the violence. Here in London, events will be held in their honour. I offer my condolences to their families.

“The UK stands ready to assist as Tunisia moves towards a new system of government and a more democratic future.”

Published 20 March 2011