TUNIS
Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Larijani, in Tunis to attend celebrations for the North African country's new constitution, called on Muslim countries to commit themselves to "resistance and unity."
Speaking at the headquarters of the Tunisian National Constituent Assembly, Larijani congratulated the Tunisian people on their new national charter, which is seen as a milestone in the country's democratic transition.
"I bow before the greatness of the Tunisian people and the voice of their revolution," Larijani declared at the event.
He also seized the opportunity to accuse "imperialist countries" of supporting post-World War II dictatorships around the world.
He singled out the United States in particular for its earlier support of the regime of former Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
He also called on Arab Spring countries to protect their revolutions from being "hijacked by former [Western] colonizers."
He went on to warn against the spread of terrorism in the region, which he described as "a danger that threatens the Muslim nation from within."
On Friday, Tunisia held official celebrations to mark the endorsement of its new national charter. The event was 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
