On The Phone: Hillary Clinton

As we saw last Sunday, when she called the Tunisian Foreign Minister, Secretary Clinton carries out her duties even on weekends. This week she rang up the Tunisian Prime Minister.

Secretary Clinton's Call to Tunisian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi

Media Note

Office of the Spokesman

Washington, DC

January 23, 2011

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Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton called Tunisian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi yesterday to express continued support for the people of Tunisia in their path to a more democratic society. Secretary Clinton conveyed that the United States is encouraged by indications that the Interim Government is trying to be inclusive and ensure that the many segments of Tunisian society will have a voice.

The United States supports this effort, and the Secretary noted the Prime Minister's call for open, free, and credible elections in six months. She also commended the Interim Government's first, but significant steps to begin to investigate corruption and past abuses, and to work toward political reform. Specifically, the Secretary noted the government's establishment of three investigatory working committees to deal with these issues. Finally, the Secretary reiterated that the United States stands ready to assist the Tunisian people to meet the challenges ahead, and assured the Prime Minister that the United States will stand with them as they chart a new course for their country.