Ghannouchi: Arab Spring is ongoing

Leader of Tunisia’s Ennahda movement, Rashid Ghannouchi, said the Arab Spring is continuing, stressing that his country’s experience is proof that democracy will find its way into the region.

Speaking during the 10th Al Jazeera Forum in Doha, Qatar, Ghannouchi criticised those who chant “down with military rule” in Egypt, saying they should not overlook the role of the Egyptian army.

He explained that the Tunisian parties’ decision to overcome political exclusion has contributed to obtain consensus among the country’s political forces and to the success of the democratic process.

Security and military forces are not enough to fight terrorism, he explained, adding: “The fight against terrorism must not be limited to the military and security approach, which could even complicate the problem in the short and long term.”

“Combating extremism must also have a political dimension by strengthening democracy, the economy and development to stem unemployment, especially among young people.”

“We have defeated dictatorship in Tunisia and we hope we are on our way towards defeating terrorism,” he said.

Ghannouchi also rejected any link between extremism and religion, saying Islam is “unrelated to terrorism”.