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SHAWN AHMED: With me is Mr. Sami Zaoui of the Tunisian
government.
I'll be asking him your questions that you've been
submitting via Twitter.
Minister, we're in Davos right now.
At this time in your country's history, what inspired you to
come here to the World Economic Forum in Davos?
SAMI ZAOUI: What was important for me to be here is to convey
the message of what we lived during the last weeks.
Less than two weeks before I was partner in a consulting
firm and I have decided to include the cabinet and the
government.
Because some people died for our freedom and I consider
that I have to leave my job and I have to serve Tunisia.
SHAWN AHMED: This was one of the questions that I was
inspired to ask you by YouTube and Twitter users who have
submitted questions online.
On that note, what do you think YouTube, Twitter, and
social media have played in this revolution that has
recently happened in your country?
SAMI ZAOUI: Believe me, a huge role.
Because what we have lived in Tunisia is a peaceful and
democratic revolution.
And for that, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, had great
contribution to that, in addition, of course, to all of
the demonstrators that have been in the field.
SHAWN AHMED: Alright.
This question comes in from Twitter user by the name of
[? Irina. ?]
Why did the revolution not happen earlier?
SAMI ZAOUI: Great.
I mean, there have been some signs, there have been some
demonstrations, but probably the fact that YouTube,
Facebook, Twitter, has been so present in the
population of Tunisia.
You know that we have more than 40% of Tunisia population
that is connected.
That's probably one of the elements that created the fact
that the revolution has been successful.
SHAWN AHMED: Great.
This is a question from [? Arun ?]
in New Jersey, submitted via Twitter.
He wanted to know, what changes do you and your
government plan on making to prevent similar unrest
happening in the future?
SAMI ZAOUI: OK.
Probably things were boiling in Tunisia for 15 or 20 years.
Now we have a temporary government.
Within six months, there will be completely and effective
free elections in Tunisia.
So I think there is no more reason for such turbulence.
But what we have confirmed, first is
complete freedom of internet.
No cuts at all.
And the second one, we have guaranteed also the right of
demonstration to all people.
SHAWN AHMED: Great.
As a proponent of net
neutrality, I like your answer.
Finally, possibly the last question, submitted by Brandy
from Colorado, what do you believe the parallels are
between what's happening in your country and Egypt, and
also, do you believe, as a second part of this question,
do you believe that revolution is the only way to democracy?
SAMI ZAOUI: What I believe is that democracy is key to give
people their chances.
That is key.
What is the way for that?
What is the way for each country?
This is another affair.
But let's just concentrate on the fact that democracy is not
a plus, it's a must.
SHAWN AHMED: Irina has submitted via Twitter, when do
you think reelections will be happening?
Do you have a date set yet?
SAMI ZAOUI: That formal date is not fixed, but the
engagement we have on the government side is that it
will be at the maximum six months.
That's what the legal opposition is requesting to
give them the time enough to prepare themselves and prepare
their programs and have real and
effective political campaign.
SHAWN AHMED: Twitter user by the name of Andy submitted a
more philosophical question.
So it may not even be directly pertinent to Tunisia.
The question is, which do you think is more important?
Order and safety, or truth and justice?
SAMI ZAOUI: Truth and justice.
I mean order gives you nothing in fact.
What we have to give to our children, what we have to give
to people, is the confidence and the
opportunity to develop.
What does order give you?
Nothing.
What we have all is about opportunity and what we have
to give to our children are these opportunities.
SHAWN AHMED: I think we're out of time now.
Minister, thank you very much for the time you've given me.
SAMI ZAOUI: Thank you for your invitation.
SHAWN AHMED: And I know you have many challenges ahead.
And I wish you the best of luck.
SAMI ZAOUI: Thank you very much.
Thank you for your invitation.