PLO 'applauds Tunisian people's courage'

15/01/2011

RAMALLAH (Ma’an) -- The Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization applauded on Saturday what it called "the unprecedented courage of the Tunisian people and their heroic sacrifices for their just rights."

The encouragement came as the Arab League called on all Tunisian political forces to unite and bring back calm after the ousting of president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali amid deadly protests. The president had served in the same post for 23 years.

The PLO leadership said the spontaneous uprising of the Tunisian people "against corruption and oppression" reaffirmed that people possess creative power when it comes to self determination, democracy and development.

In a statement, the committee said the Palestinian leadership was proud of the courage Tunisian people showed defending their future. Palestinian leaders support and respect the political choice of the Tunisian people and their right to choose a leadership capable of realizing their dreams and goals, the committee said.

Tunisia hosted the Palestinian revolution and the PLO from 1982-1992, after the Palestinian leadership was forced to leave Beirut.

The PLO said that Palestinians remain grateful for Tunisian hospitality in the 1980s, and "support their choices now."

Tunisian authorities declared a state of emergency Friday following weeks of violent protests over rising food prices and high unemployment, the catalyst following a long build-up of political unrest and dissatisfaction with the government.

President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali quit after 23 years of authoritarian rule and fled the country. He was last reported to be in Saudi Arabia.

The Arab League urged all political forces, Tunisian representatives and officials to unite "for the good of the Tunisian people and to achieve civil peace," a statement said.

The league urged all to "work together for the return of calm and security and stability," and to reach "a national consensus to bring the country out of this crisis while guaranteeing the respect of the will of the Tunisian people."

AFP contributed to this report.

Source: Ma'an News Agency.
Link: http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=351182.