国际英语新闻:Tunisian president says democratic transition still not safe

TUNIS, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi said in a speech on Monday that the democratic transition in his country is still not safe.

Tunisia revived Monday the eighth anniversary of the popular uprisings which resulted in the toppling of former President Zine al Abidine Ben Ali on Jan. 14, 2011.

Essebsi said that the country is plagued with a state of official uncertainty, and continued conflicts and divisions amid political tension and social unrest.

He warned that this would delay democratic progress, at a time when people are expecting an end to marginalization, poverty and unemployment, stressing that ensuring the stability of Tunisia is highly important.

He added that Tunisians today must avoid escalation of the current situations, similar to the general strike that happened in January 1978, which resulted in a number of deaths and wounded.

However, he acknowledged that the purchasing power of the Tunisians was declining. Some political parties and national organizations have organized rallies in the capital Tunis, during which they raised different slogans supporting or protesting the government.