Ambassador Cherith Norman Chalet
U.S. Representative for UN Management and Reform
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York City
August 1, 2019
AS DELIVERED
Madam President, Mr. Secretary General, Excellencies, on behalf of the United States, as host country to the United Nations, I too offer our condolences to the Tunisian people and join many around the world in mourning the passing of President Beji Caid Essebsi. We commend his leadership and honor his legacy as the first democratically elected president of Tunisia after its 2011 revolution.
President Essebsi was an unwavering advocate for values of freedom and equality for the Tunisian people, upholding peace and stability across the region. Throughout his distinguished career of public service to the Republic of Tunisia, President Essebsi remained a close friend and strong partner of the United States, something Secretary Pompeo himself noted, working alongside us to strengthen Tunisia’s democratic institutions and guarantee the security of its citizens.
The prayers of the President, First Lady, and the United States are with President Essebsi’s family—his spouse Chadlia Saïda Farhat and their four children, Amel, Salwa, Mohamed Hafedh, and Khélil—as well as with the Tunisian people during this time of sorrow. Thank you.
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