Preparations are underway to celebrate Tunisia's 50 th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic

July 21, 2007-- Nationwide celebrationswill take palce on the occasion of the 50 th anniversary of the proclamation of the Tunisian Republic , announced Mr Hedi Mhenni ,the Secretary General of the Democratic Constitutional Rally, Tunisia 's majority party.

Tunisian Parliament had voted the replacement of the monarchy by a republican system in Tunisia , on July 25, 1957 , less than year after independence.

Mr Mhenni pointed out that one of the main objectives of this year's celebrations is to “rekindle among the younger generations the patriotic spirit, so as to preserve the national memory and pride in the country's glorious history.”

He also stressed that the accompishments made possible though reforms introduced by President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali after the 1987 Change, “has restored to Tunisia 's institutions their integrity and prestige to the state, opening up new vistas for Tunisian men and women, as well as instilling in them trust and faith in the future.”

Mr Mhenni highlighted the main items of the program of celebrations set up by the Rally, namely films, documentaries debates and special supplements, as well as roundtable encounters on “the role of women in the celebration of the 50 th anniversary of the Republic”, both in the capital , throughout the country and for the Tunisian communities living abroad.

He also indicated that an important national exhibit within Tunisia 's parliament will be held on the theme: “From the ancient Carthage to the Carthage of the Change”.