Today, Senators John McCain(R-AZ) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) released the following statement regarding Tunisian elections:
“Ten months ago, Tunisians led the Middle East and North Africa in peacefully throwing off the yoke of a long-ruling dictator. Yesterday, they once again led their region by holding the first competitive multiparty democratic elections of the Arab Spring. We congratulate the people of Tunisia on this historic milestone for their country and the entire region.
“We know from history that holding an election is only the first step on the long path to a stable and prosperous democracy. But we are confident that Tunisians can succeed — and that the U.S. has a clear and critical stake in standing with them in support and solidarity as they embark on this journey. We are also confident that the consolidation of democracy in Tunisia can serve as a beacon of hope and a model for the entire region. Indeed, Tunisia is already serving as a model for other Arab countries in transition through the conduct of its election, especially the confidence it showed in welcoming a strong international presence to witness and assist with yesterday’s vote.
“Now is the time for the Obama Administration to increase American support for and engagement with Tunisia, and we urge them to do so in the critical days and weeks ahead. In particular, we encourage the Obama Administration to restart negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with Tunisia, which would send the most powerful possible expression of support for Tunisia’s economic recovery, which is inseparably tied to its political transition.
“The democratic hopes of the Arab Spring were first expressed in Tunisia, and with their election yesterday, the Tunisian people are once again showing their ability to lead the cause of reform in the region and to inspire the world.”
