There remains no obstacle for Tunisia and Libya before unification, says Ennahda Party leader Ghannouchi

ISTANBUL (A.A) - January 4, 2012 - Support to the idea of Tunisia and Libya getting united continues to grow. After the Tunisian President Munsaf al-Marzuki made comments in Libya on the possible unification of Tunisia and Libya last week, the leader of Tunisia's Ennahda Party, Rached Ghannouchi, extended support to the idea of unification on Wednesday. Speaking to the AA by phone, Ghannouchi said that they strongly supported the idea of Tunisia and Libya uniting as one country. This project of unification was brought up 40 years ago. However, this idea met an obstacle by former leader Habib Burgiba. We made an invitation for unification again after problems occurred at the border following the revolution in Tunisia. We have now caught a great opportunity for unification and we should not waste it, Ghannouchi underlined. Our two countries are closer to each other like they have never been before. There are no political or cultural obstacles in front of unification. The majority of people in both countries are of same race, Muslims and belong to the Maliki tribe. Our history and civilization is one, Ghannouchi said. I believe that the Libyans would respond positively to the invitation made by the Tunisian President al-Marzuki. The current leadership of Libya is wise and humble. As the people and government of Tunisia, we would be happy to unite with Libya, Ghannouchi underlined. The people of Tunisia opened their hearts and homes to about 1.5 million Libyans during the Libyan revolution last year. Tunisians placed the Libyans in their homes and not camps. Such an act strengthened brotherhood and the spirit of unity. Mutual cooperation and the feeling of solidarity grew. Tunisia is a partner of Libya in that country's development, reconstruction and destiny. Tunisians and Libyans are relatives when you look at the history, Ghannouchi said. The revolutions and changes in the Arab world have led to the rising of a spirit of unity among the peoples. The countries of northern Africa would have united if it was not for the dictators. Following the democratic revolutions, the dream of the peoples resurfaced. We will do everything possible in this direction, Ghannouchi also said.