TUNIS
French President Francois Hollande has hailed Tunisia's newly-approved constitution, describing it as an "affirmation of consensus between Islam and democracy."
Speaking at a Friday ceremony in Tunis celebrating the endorsement of the new constitution, Hollande said the charter would provide a model for other countries as it "establishes an inclusive democratic regime founded on the values of Islam and human rights."
"It upholds freedoms and the independence of the judiciary, the separation of powers, good governance and gender equality," he said.
Hollande went on to say that his country would provide 500 million euros (roughly $677 million) to support development projects in Tunisia, a former French colony.
Tunisia held official celebrations on Friday to mark the endorsement of the new national charter, which were attended by President Moncef Marzouki and a host of foreign heads of state and high-profile diplomats.
The new charter, approved on January 27, has been described by Tunisian officials as the Arab world's "first democratic constitution."
By Reda al-Tamtam
Englishnews@aa.com.tr
