The Nobel Peace Prize for the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet

I congratulate Tunisia’s National Dialogue Quartet for their selection as winners of the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize.

This extraordinary honor recognizes the critical role civil society organizations played following the Tunisian revolution -- by preserving national unity and constructing a political process that led to both a constitution and free and fair national elections.

As assassinations and street protests roiled domestic politics in 2013, the National Dialogue Quartet played an invaluable role in keeping Tunisia’s transition on track. These organizations promoted consensus-building and social cooperation by working across the spectrum of Tunisian society to advance dialogue and foster Tunisia’s continuing democratic transition. Their inspiring achievement is a shining example for all societies that are working towards an inclusive transition from dictatorship to democracy.

We laud Tunisian leaders from across the political spectrum who worked with the Quartet and others in civil society and who made difficult compromises for the sake of the Tunisian people. The Tunisian model of inclusivity and respecting fundamental freedoms of all its citizens is the best answer to the violence and extremist ideologies that have torn apart other countries in the region.

The United States remains committed to supporting the Tunisian people and their government as they continue to strengthen and protect their democracy and fulfill their aspirations for a safe, secure, and prosperous future.