Statement of the Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean, Fathallah Sijilmassi, following the awarding of the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize to the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet

“As Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean, but also as a member of the Euro-Mediterranean family, I am very happy to congratulate the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet for the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize.

The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet is fantastic news. I congratulate Tunisia and the quartet for what they have achieved for the sake of this very important country that has witnessed some very difficult moments. This prize enables the country to continue looking at the future with courage, ambition and determination. This prize is a strong signal of the international community to further support Tunisia in this important phase for the country. I would like to reiterate that the UfM will continue to actively support Tunisia.

It is important for Tunisia but it is also important for the region to show that the solution is in dialogue, in constructive exchanges and in consensus building. I consider this message as a very positive news and step for Tunisia but also for the whole Mediterranean and the Euro-Mediterranean region. I believe in this region. I believe in its assets.”