US Defence Secretary arrives in Tunisia

US Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta arrived here today on a visit to Tunisia as part of a five-day four-nation tour which will also take him to Egypt, Jordan and Israel. The Syrian crisis is expected to figure high Panetta's talks with leaders and official especially in Jordan, as well as the effects of the Syrian crisis on the region. The United States closely works with humanitarian Non-Governmental Organizations to help those affected by the raging violence. At the Egyptian level, Panetta said the message was clear. We have supported the organized and quiet transition of power in Egypt, in addition to the support of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) which provided protection for the electoral process last month. On the Iranian nuclear programme, the US Secretary of Defence said the US president has been clear about the support of Israel and the international community regarding the need of not allowing Iran possess nuclear weapons