Tunisia's Free Destourian Nominates Moussi for Presidential Elections

Tunisia's Free Destourian Party President Abir Moussi (EPA)
Tunisia's Free Destourian Party President Abir Moussi (EPA)
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Tunisia's Free Destourian Nominates Moussi for Presidential Elections

Tunisia's Free Destourian Party President Abir Moussi (EPA)
Tunisia's Free Destourian Party President Abir Moussi (EPA)

Tunisia's Free Destourian Party (PDL) unanimously nominated its president Abir Moussi for the upcoming presidential elections, according to the German News Agency (dpa).

The party announced a "general list" that included its stance on the current national affairs, criticizing the policies of President Kais Saied after imposing exceptional measures since July 25.

Moussi chaired the party's legislative bloc before Saied's froze the parliament. She is one of the most vocal opponents of the Islamic Ennahda Movement, the conservative Dignity Coalition, and Islamic organizations.

She was a member of the dissolved Democratic Constitutional Rally, which ruled Tunisia before the 2011 revolution. Her opponents accuse Moussi of being a front for the former regime.

Saeid, who was elected by a vast majority in 2019, presented a political roadmap, including a national electronic consultation, a popular referendum on political reforms, and the organization of parliamentary elections at the end of this year.

The Free Destourian condemned the President for dismantling institutions claiming exceptional measures to facilitate the implementation of his political project.

Moussi announced that the party would hold a sit-in on March 13, declaring their support for the state and aiming to save the people from the dangers of social tension, financial collapse, and poverty.

During a press conference held to announce the results of the expanded central committee of the party, Moussi said that the latter would force the President to respect the will of the Tunisian people through protests.

Moussa declared that her party would not recognize the consultation results that were executed over the electronic platform.

The party will sue the platform's supervisors for squandering public funds, violating regulations, harming the administration, and deceiving the will of citizens, according to Moussi.

The Free Destourian refuses to change the rules of the democratic process.

She stressed that any texts issued by the President are illegal, based on the requirements of Presidential order 117 concerning the political system.



Cyprus Offers to Assist on Lebanon Ceasefire as More Nations Welcome Agreement

 Displaced residents drive past the rubble of destroyed buildings as they return to their villages, following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that went into effect on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Tyre, southern Lebanon. (AP)
Displaced residents drive past the rubble of destroyed buildings as they return to their villages, following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that went into effect on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Tyre, southern Lebanon. (AP)
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Cyprus Offers to Assist on Lebanon Ceasefire as More Nations Welcome Agreement

 Displaced residents drive past the rubble of destroyed buildings as they return to their villages, following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that went into effect on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Tyre, southern Lebanon. (AP)
Displaced residents drive past the rubble of destroyed buildings as they return to their villages, following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that went into effect on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Tyre, southern Lebanon. (AP)

Cyprus is willing to assist in any way possible in helping implement a ceasefire brokered between Lebanon and Israel, its government said on Wednesday.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides spoke by phone with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Wednesday, a statement from the government spokesperson's office said.

"(Christodoulides) expressed the readiness of the Republic of Cyprus to assist in any way requested - taking into account Cyprus's proximity as an EU member state closest to the region and its excellent relations with all parties - both in implementing the ceasefire and any other request," the government spokesperson said in a statement.

Egypt welcomed the ceasefire, the foreign ministry said in a statement, while Jordan said the deal should prompt greater international efforts to bring an end to the war in Gaza.

In an official statement, the kingdom said the move was also a first step towards reversing a dangerous escalation of tensions across the region that had threatened peace and security.

Türkiye welcomed the ceasefire, hoping the truce will be lasting, its foreign ministry said on Wednesday, calling on the international community to pressure Israel into fully implementing it.

"It is imperative for the international community to exert pressure on Israel to fully comply with the ceasefire and to provide reparations for the damages it has caused in Lebanon," the ministry said in a statement, adding Türkiye was ready to support peace efforts in Lebanon.

It added that a ceasefire must also be declared in Gaza as soon as possible for lasting regional peace and stability.