New York

26 September 2011

Readout of the Secretary-General's meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Mouldi Kefi on the margins of the General Assembly in New York

Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General

The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Mohamed Mouldi Kefi, on the margins of the General Assembly. They discussed progress made in the ongoing transitional process, including in the fields of elections and human rights. The Secretary-General congratulated the people and the government of Tunisia for their courage and determination to help bring about a new democratic order.

Noting that the Arab Spring had started in Tunisia, he recognized that it would continue to be an example to other countries undergoing a transition to democracy. He welcomed the steps taken in preparation for the Constituent Assembly elections of 23 October and reiterated the support of the United Nations for Tunisia's efforts to conduct these elections in a credible and transparent manner.

The Secretary-General also expressed his deep appreciation to the Tunisian government and people of Tunisia for their hospitality and support to the very many refugees escaping the conflict in Libya, and for their continued readiness to help Libya as it undergoes a phase of recovery and reconstruction.