Obama congratulates Tunisians on elections

President Obama congratulated the Tunisian people Sunday for holding elections.

Tunisia was the first Middle Eastern country this year to overthrow its dictator after weeks of protests. That ignited what has become the Arab Spring, which has seen long-time despots being forced out of power with the region being rocked by protests in several countries.

{mosads}“Today, less than a year after they inspired the world, the Tunisian people took an important step forward. I congratulate the millions of Tunisians who voted in the first democratic elections to take place in the country that changed the course of history and began the Arab Spring,” Obama said in a statement.  

“Just as so many Tunisian citizens protested peacefully in streets and squares to claim their rights, today they stood in lines and cast their votes to determine their own future.  Now, Tunisia begins the hard work of forming an interim government, drafting a new constitution and charting a democratic course that meets the aspirations of all Tunisians.  The United States reaffirms its commitment to the Tunisian people as they move toward a democratic future that offers dignity, justice, freedom of expression, and greater economic opportunity for all,” Obama said.