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Tunisia celebrates 4th anniversary of popular uprisings

Xinhua, January 14, 2015 Adjust font size:

Tunisians commemorate Wednesday the 4th anniversary of the popular uprisings of December 2010 and January 2011 which resulted in toppling former President Zine al Abidine Ben Ali on January 14, 2011.

Newly elected President Beji Caid Essebsi held a ceremony to commemorate the occasion and honor several national heroes who took part of the Tunisian revolution.

"I will be president of all Tunisians, a symbol of unity and a guardian of the revolution's values," stated Essebsi in his speech at the Presidential Palace of Carthage.

Prominent leaders of the civil society, who hosted national talks during political deadlock, including the largest labor union the UGTT, were honored and decorated by President Essebsi.

However, families of the martyrs and wounded of the Revolution showed dissatisfaction during the ceremony, which led to its suspension. Some of them explained that they deserved to be decorated before other activists.

Essebsi is currently meeting with representatives of the families of the martyrs and wounded of the revolution in order to listen to their demands.

On Avenue Habib Bourguiba in downtown Tunis, where the most significant protest of the revolution took place on January 14, 2011, Tunisian citizens gathered to celebrate the occasion.

Representatives of civil society organizations, politicians, activists and others held flags, balloons, and signs to commemorate the event. Endit