Saied Promises Tunisians a New Republic Based on Popular Referendum

Caption: Tunisian President Kais Saied (AFP)
Caption: Tunisian President Kais Saied (AFP)
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Saied Promises Tunisians a New Republic Based on Popular Referendum

Caption: Tunisian President Kais Saied (AFP)
Caption: Tunisian President Kais Saied (AFP)

Tunisian President Kais Saied has announced creating the National Consultative Commission for a New Republic, tasked with drawing up a draft constitution.

In a cabinet session on Thursday evening, Saied said the new republic will be presented by the people and based on solid foundations that guarantee the state’s unity and continuity, as well as the rights of Tunisians for a decent life.

The president said the republic will be formed based on a popular referendum on the political system and electoral law, and a draft of a new constitution.

The committee consists of deans of Law and Political Sciences and is tasked with drafting the new constitution for the new republic. It must submit its report on June 20 to the president.

Saied slammed the previous ruling system, stressing that it endangered the state and caused instability.

He affirmed that the new constitution will reflect the will of Tunisian people, which they keenly expressed on December 17, 2010 and in the national consultation he held from January 1 till March 20.

The consultation, which called on citizens to send in suggestions, was part of a reform package pushed by Saied, who said it succeeded despite the obstacles.

Commenting on the upcoming referendum, Saied said all conditions will be set for everyone to be able to participate.

These include reviewing voter registration to ensure the participation of about 2.5 million unregistered voters.

The constitutional referendum is planned for July 25, exactly a year after Saied sacked the government, suspended parliament and seized wide-ranging powers.



Gunman Shot Dead, 3 Police Injured in Shooting near Israeli Embassy in Jordan

Image of the Israeli embassy building in Amman. (Archive)
Image of the Israeli embassy building in Amman. (Archive)
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Gunman Shot Dead, 3 Police Injured in Shooting near Israeli Embassy in Jordan

Image of the Israeli embassy building in Amman. (Archive)
Image of the Israeli embassy building in Amman. (Archive)

A gunman was dead and three policemen injured after a shooting near the Israeli embassy in neighboring Jordan, a security source and state media said on Sunday.
Police shot a gunman who had fired at a police patrol in the Rabiah neighborhood of Amman, state news agency Petra reported, citing public security, adding investigations were ongoing.
Jordan's government communications minister, Mohamed Momani, described the shooting as a terror attack that targeted public security forces in the country. He said in a statement that investigations into the attack were under way.
Jordanian police had earlier cordoned off an area near the heavily policed embassy after gunshots were heard, witnesses said. Two witnesses said police and ambulances rushed to the Rabiah neighborhood, where the embassy is located.
The area is a flashpoint for frequent demonstrations against Israel. The kingdom has witnessed some of the biggest peaceful rallies across the region as anti-Israel sentiment runs high over the war in Gaza.
Police had called on residents to stay in their homes as security personnel searched for the culprits, a security source said.