Author: Web Desk

Notwithstanding attempts to celebrate the Revolution on December 17 instead of January 14, the Tunisian people's will to establish a democratic regime and uphold the rule of law remains unwavering," Afek Tounes said on Sunday. "There will be no going backwards on this because of populism and grassroots democracy," further reads a press release. Afek Tounes also denounced "curbs on freedom" and "a backslide into authoritarianism" and said the claims of the Tunisian people to dignity, freedom and the fight against corruption cannot be achieved within an authoritarian political system. " Afek Tounes said it is determined to meet the aspirations of the Tunisian people for a modern and free state which can guarantee a decent life for its people, the supremacy of law and pluralism. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

On a visit to the governorates of Kairouan and Siliana on Sunday, President of the Republic Kaïs Saïed reaffirmed his firm commitment to combating all forms of corruption and "cleaning up" the country. Reacting to the demands and claims of a group of citizens from these regions, the Head of State said: "Every official within the State must fully shoulder his or her responsibilities towards the people." It is crucial to fight speculators and put an end to illegal distribution channels, he considered. "We are well aware of your suffering, and we feel it every day," he reassured, adding that " opportunities will be opened up, and all citizens will be effectively treated on an equal footing, far from favoritism and nepotism." In the same vein, he pointed out that citizen enterprises could be a solution to unemployment by exploiting state-owned land instead of allocating hundreds of hectares to a single person. The Head of State listened to the concerns of the inhabitants of El Oueslatia, El Ala, and Siliana regarding corruption, marginalisation, unemployment, irregular migration, mismanagement of state-owned land, shortages of basic foodstuffs, price rises and speculation. During his visit to Siliana, the President underlined the sacrifices made by the region's inhabitants throughout history, pointing out that there will be no more room for " marginalisation." He pledged to provide the region's hospital with a CT scanner as soon as possible. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Six individuals were arrested by joint National Guard patrols in Beja, Nabeul, Ben Arous and Bizerte on suspicion of belonging to a terrorist organisation, according to a National Guard General Directorate press release. The individuals in question are the subject of a wanted notice. They are sentenced to between one and two years' imprisonment. The Public Prosecutor's Office ordered the necessary measures to be taken against them. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Participants in a forum of support to the Palestinian resistance called for opening Rafah border crossing immediately to secure the delivery of humanitarian aid. Zouheir Maghzaoui, SG of Echaab Movement which organised the event, urged political actors to exert pressure on Arab regimes which normalised relatio s with the Zionist entity and use all available means to secure the opening of the border crossing. It was agreed to create a committee to follow up on decisions made by representatives of Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, Palestine, Jordan and Libye, he added Maghzaoui said the forum seeks to foster an effective partnership to support the Palestinian resistance and battles underway in Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. Representative of Hamas Sami Abu Zahri said the meeting is intended to support the Palestinian resistance and shed light on efforts deployed to this end, mainly South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Representative of Hezbollah Hassan Yahya Gharibes praised Tunisia for its position since the start of Al Aqsa Flood operation, in spite of pressure. The forum was held on January 13- 14 with the participation of representatives of Palestinian factions and delegations from several Arab countries, mainly Lebanon, Syria, Libya and Egypt. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

The Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP) is holing on Tuesday and Wednesday a plenary session to consider three bills. These bills are: - Organic Law on the approval of a prisoners' extradition agreement between Tunisia and Algeria - A bill ammending decree law No.13 on penal reconciliation. This decree law was approved by the ARP's General Legislative Committee last Janaury 8, reads an ARP press release. - A bill on the approval of the exchange of memorandums on the amendment of the memorandum of understanding concluded on November 25, 2011 between the Tunisian government and the Italian government, for granting a credit line to small and medium-sized enterprises, the press release added. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse