UN chief: Adoption of new Tunisian constitution

 UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday welcomed the adoption of the new Tunisian constitution, calling it "another historic milestone." "The secretary-general commends the commitment to dialogue and consensus that has marked the democratic transition in Tunisia, which reached another historic milestone with the adoption today of the country's new constitution," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesperson. "He believes Tunisia's example can be a model to other peoples seeking reforms," the statement said. In the statement, the UN chief encouraged political actors in Tunisia to ensure the next steps of the transition are conducted in "a peaceful, inclusive and transparent manner." "Strengthening the democratic institutions created by the constitution and related laws will help promote accountability and the rule of law with full respect to human rights," Ban said. According to Tunisian media reports, the country's National Constituent Assembly voted overwhelmingly Sunday night to adopt a new constitution. Approving the new constitution and forming a transitional government are main steps of a roadmap proposed by the Tunisia's main labor union (UGTT) and endorsed by both ruling parties and opposition groups to end a political crisis that endangered the country's feeble transition toward democracy.