The African Union Condemns the Assassination of a Political Leader in Tunisia
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, February 7, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has learned with regret and concern the news of the assassination, on 6 February 2013, of Mr Chokri Belaid, a prominent political figure in Tunisia, and the subsequent death of a police officer in protests following the killing. The AU condemns these acts, which threaten to undermine the efforts towards the peaceful completion of the on-going transitional process.
The Chairperson of the Commission is encouraged by the prompt and unequivocal condemnations by various Tunisian stakeholders, including the President and the Prime Minister, of the assassination of Mr Belaid. She is confident that the Tunisian authorities will spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice, while also deploying the necessary efforts to enhance the security environment in the country.
The AU reminds the Tunisian people and leaders of the urgent need to overcome their differences and rise above partisan and ideological considerations to ensure the fulfilment of the high expectations of the 2011 Revolution.
