Essebsi urges reconciliation on Tunisia's Independence Day

Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi today marked the 59th anniversary of the country’s independence by calling for “national reconciliation” among all Tunisians.

“We have to work towards all-inclusive national reconciliation,” Essebsi said, adding that “criminals” who had stolen or embezzled state funds should be tried in court.

“For reconciliation to happen, a law must be passed by parliament… Businessmen are ready [for reconciliation], but they’re afraid. But the politics of fear doesn’t work,” Essebsi said.

The Tunisian president urged local businessmen to invest in the country’s development, asserting: “Luring [foreign] investment will not happen so long as Tunisians themselves aren’t investing.”

“We must reform the [local] investment environment; this is what the world demands of us,” Essebsi added.

Today, Tunisia marks the 59th anniversary of its independence from France following a 75-year occupation.