US 'concerned' by Tunisia turmoil, no determination if 'coup' underway
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Monday that the administration will wait for the State Department to conduct a legal analysis before determining whether the situation in Tunisia constitutes a coup.
The Biden administration is concerned by the political turmoil in Tunisia but has not determined whether a coup occurred in the North African country, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday.
Amid violent nationwide protests, Tunisian President Kais Saied announced Sunday that he was dismissing Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi and suspending parliament for 30 days. Saied’s critics, including members of the moderate Islamist Ennahda party, said his actions amount to a coup and violated the young democracy’s constitution.
"We're concerned about the developments in Tunisia," Psaki said in Monday’s briefing.
"We are in touch at a senior level from both the White House and the State Department with Tunisian leaders to learn more about the situation, urge calm and support Tunisian efforts to move forward in line with democratic principles," she added.
