Tunisian interim government dissolves secret police agency

[News_Editor]

Tunisian interim government dissolves secret police agency

2011-03-08 02:34:25 GMT+7 (ICT)

TUNIS, TUNISIA (BNO NEWS) -- The Tunisian interim government on Monday announced the dismantle of the secret police agency accused of committing human rights abuses during the regime of ousted President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali.

According to the state-run TAP news agency, the Tunisian Interior Ministry decided to dissolve the State Security Division as part of the government's commitment to enforce the law and respect freedoms and civil rights.

The Interior Ministry added that these measures were decided to honor the values of the revolution. Thus, the State Security Division has been removed entirely at the level of structure, mission or practices.

The move is part of the new approach of the caretaker government to contribute to achieve democracy, dignity and freedom. In addition, the interim government detected deficiencies under the former regime that needed to be re-organized to inspire confidence in the Tunisian people and the international community.

Also on Monday, Interim President Foued Mebazaa approved the new members of the government as proposed by recently-appointed Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebsi. Mebazaa confirmed the appointment of 22 Ministers and 9 Secretaries of State.

The new cabinet was needed after the recent resignation of several members of the caretaker government. Three ministers and former Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi resigned last February.

Last week. PM Essebsi vowed to appoint new ministers in order to restore order to a government that has fallen to 'inadmissible levels'. In addition, President Mebazaa announced that the elections for the National Constituent Assembly will be held on July 24.

Mebazaa d added that the North African country is entering a new period in its history while assuring that he will continue in his role as interim leader until the Constituent Council elections are held.

In January, former President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali was ousted after weeks of violent protests over economic issues. The interim leadership announced the formation of new government of national unity that included members of the opposition.

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