La Tunisie demeure un modèle, malgré l’attaque de Sousse (Walles) |
| Publié le Vendredi 03 Juillet 2015 à 11:01 |
 "La Tunisie a subi un coup dur avec l’attaque de la semaine dernière à Sousse, mais elle demeure un modèle dans la région, qui montre la manière dont la démocratie peut se réaliser malgré les obstacles", a déclaré l’ambassadeur US, Jacob Walles. Lors d’une cérémonie organisée hier, jeudi 2 juillet, à l’occasion de la célébration du 239ème anniversaire de l’indépendance américaine, à laquelle ont pris part le chef du gouvernement, Habib Essid, le président de l’ARP, Mohamed Ennaceur, et plusieurs ministres, Walles a indiqué que "l’attaque de Sousse du vendredi 26 juin n’était pas contre la Tunisie et ses invités uniquement, mais visait également les valeurs de démocratie, de tolérance, et de paix, que toutes les nations libres ont en partage". "Cette attaque terroriste nous incite à la condamner avec la plus grande fermeté, a fortiori qu’elle a coïncidé avec le mois saint du Ramadan, mois du sacrifice pour les musulmans". "Ses adeptes incarnent une idéologie malveillante, procédant d’une déviation des valeurs et traditions des musulmans et de l’ensemble des croyants", a-t-il dit. Ci-après le texte intégral de son discours en anglais tel qu'il nous est parvenu par l'ambassade US à Tunis : JAKE WALLES
ON THE OCCASION OF THE 239th ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA July 2, 2015 Welcome this evening to our Independence Day celebration, the 239th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. I would like to begin with what happened in Sousse last Friday and express my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the horrendous terrorist attack. Among the victims were 30 from the United Kingdom, along with others from Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Portugal and Russia. This was an attack not only on Tunisia and her foreign guests; it was an attack against the values of democracy and tolerance and peace that all free nations share. For Americans, this attack will only redouble our efforts to support Tunisia, to stand together with our friends and allies around the world, and to fight terrorism in all its aspects. This terrorist attack is even more deplorable as it took place during the holy month of Ramadan, a time of personal sacrifice and reflection for Muslims. Those who claimed responsibility for the attack last week in Sousse represent an evil ideology; they have perverted the values and traditions of Islam and of all believers. May I ask that all of us observe a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the attack last week in Sousse, and all the other victims of terrorism in Tunisia and elsewhere. Thank you Let me welcome tonight the Head of Government, H.E. Habib Essid, the Speaker of the Parliament H.E. Mohammed Ennaceur, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bachouche, Minister of Finance Chaker, Minister of Justice Ben Aissa, and Minister of Employment Ladhari. Let me also recognize some of our other distinguished guests, including former Prime Ministers Joma’a and Laarayedh and Sheikh Rashid Ghannouchi. Thank you also to our sponsors -- among them the Ramada Plaza Hotel, Anadarko and General Electric -- for their generous contributions. And of course, many thanks to the hardworking team at the Embassy led by Deanie Holder for their effort and sacrifice necessary to organize such a large event. Americans gather in July every year to celebrate the proclamation of America’s independence. The U.S. Declaration of Independence, signed in July of 1776 opens with words written by Thomas Jefferson: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…” These words and the values they express have served as a constant guide for Americans from 1776 until today, which is why we reflect every year at this time on the meaning of our independence. The words of our Declaration of Independence are important for Americans, but they also express universal truths that are important to people around the world, including here in Tunisia. They reflect the same universal values that are enshrined in Tunisia’s new constitution adopted in 2014 and embodied in the second Tunisian Republic that has come into being following democratic elections. The progress of Tunisia’s democratic transition is a beacon of hope for people across the region and the world and a source of pride for all Tunisians. As Americans, we are proud that Tunisia has joined us in the club of democracies. Recognizing the importance of this milestone, President Obama invited President Beji Caid Essebsi to Washington in May to demonstrate the continued support of the United States to Tunisia’s progress. At the White House, President Obama spoke about Tunisia’s democratic transition: “[Tunisia]…is a place where we have seen the most extraordinary progress in allowing all parties and all parts of the population, including women and minorities, participate fully in the civic and political life of the nation. And it bodes well for Tunisia’s future and for the future of its children…” And President Obama went on: “I want the President and the people of Tunisia to know that the United States believes in Tunisia, is invested in its success, and will work as a steady partner for years to come.” During the course of their meetings in Washington, the two Presidents agreed to establish a strategic partnership between the two countries to guide our future cooperation. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed during the visit to formalize this partnership, working through the existing Strategic Dialogue and Joint Military Commission, and establishing a new Joint Economic Commission. There has been much activity since then in making this strategic partnership a reality. We have already held discussions on expanded security cooperation in the Joint Military Commission. The United States has agreed to provide an additional loan guarantee, if needed, to support economic reform. And we have agreed to expand exchange programs and jointly endow a fund to support cooperation on science and technology. Our security cooperation with Tunisia is as important as ever, and I can assure you that we are pursuing it urgently and with the highest priority. This is also a special occasion for me, as it is the last time I will host this Independence Day reception in Tunisia as Ambassador. It has been a great honor to serve as the American Ambassador in Tunisia for the past three years. In looking back over this period, a lot has happened. When I first arrived in Tunisia in the summer of 2012, the country was at an early stage of its political transition, and it was not clear if Tunisia would succeed. There was political turmoil, economic stagnation, and a succession of security problems, including the attack on this Embassy in September 2012. Many observers were betting against Tunisia. Some may be betting against Tunisia now. But the Tunisian people insisted on democratic change, and United States and the rest of the international community supported them, even when the situation looked bleak. And we continue to do so now. Fortunately, Tunisia’s political leaders have found a way forward, based on consensus, unity and political inclusion. Their willingness to compromise resulted in the peaceful transition of power, the new democratic constitution, and free elections that produced the first democratically elected president in the country’s history and a new democratically elected Parliament. That approach – consensus, unity and inclusion – will again help Tunisia get through its current difficulties and protect its new-found democracy. All of us here tonight should reflect on the significance of what is happening in Tunisia. You only have to look next door to Libya, or a bit farther to Syria or Yemen, to understand how difficult political transition can be and how great are the dangers that can result from inaction and apathy. There are other paths Tunisia could have taken. In fact, democracy is not necessarily the easiest option. But the Tunisian people chose democracy with steadfast conviction, and they continue to do so. As with any transition there will be setbacks; the attack last week in Sousse was a tough blow. But Tunisia still represents a model for the region; it shows how democratic change can be accomplished despite the obstacles. Over the past three years here we have also seen a significant enhancement of U.S.-Tunisian relations. While we have had close relations dating back more than 200 years, I think it is safe to say that our relationship has never been closer than it is today. The cooperation we have now – on security, on the economy, on science and technology, on education, and in many other areas – has vastly expanded in the last few years. Great credit goes to the hardworking staff at this Embassy and to our colleagues in the Tunisian government for managing the many new programs and making this cooperation possible. But I also believe strongly that the reason our relationship has grown so close is because we now interact as two democracies. One old democracy and one new one, but both committed to the same values of human rights, freedom of political expression, and respect for the opinions of all citizens and all parts of society. I believe that Tunisia is on the right path, and as it continues down this road our relations can only grow stronger. So tonight, as we gather to remember and celebrate this important date in the history of the United States, I also want to recognize the importance of this moment in Tunisia’s history. The Tunisian people should be proud of the country’s accomplishments and its new democratic status. Tunisia is an example for others and a true partner for the United States. As I get ready to leave Tunisia later this year, I want to thank all of your for your friendship and your support over these past three years. We have walked a long road together, but I have enjoyed every moment of it. I am reminded of a quote by the American poet Robert Frost, which is relevant to the journey that Tunisia has taken in recent years, but also to my journey in Tunisia. In his poem, The Road Not Taken, Frost concludes Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. Thank you all for coming tonight. In closing, I would like to extend my best wishes on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. Thank you very much, and please enjoy the evening. |