Thank you so much for tuning in to I-254-TV 8th, 24th of March, 2021. I trust you have been well. A very good Wednesday evening to you. My name is Dereva Hila. You are welcome to the broadcast. We begin from Education Sector Education Cabinet Secretary, Professor George Magua has said that there will be increased vigilance at examination centers to curb cheating of the commencement of the Canada Certificate of Secondary Education on Friday. Magua, who spoke in Kisumu following the conclusion of KCP examinations that began on Monday, say the exams were administered with utmost observance of exam rules and COVID-19 protocols. The CES also hinted at increased vigilance at examination centers ahead of the KCAC exam. He said each examination center will have at least three police officers, contrary to two officers as was the case for the KCP exams, which have just concluded. Let me warn again for the last time that as we go to the KCAC examination, we are following up quite a number of cheeky center managers together with their collaborators. And I would have this to say that the integrity of the examination shall be protected at any cost. So if you think that you are bold enough, whether you are from Homa Bay, or from Migori, or from Isabania, or even from Kisi, my warning to you is that you stop confusing our children. We are not scaring the children, we are protecting them. There are people who are planning to hire university students to go and sit for examinations in certain parts of this country. Let me just say that we are watching you. They think they are very advanced because they may even have interfered with the photographs, but it shall not happen under our guard. When I do some rather sad news, at least three people were killed when several others were injured. When the birds were travelling in was hit by an improvised explosive device, IED set on a rabie road in Mandera County. The birds were heading to Mandera Town from Liffey. Mandera Governor Ali Roba confirmed the deaths, saying the birds were badly damaged. After it was hit by the explosive, adding that the number of casualties might increase. Police say they are on high alert following the attack. The attack comes a day after security agents repulsed and attempted by Alshaba militants to attack a police camp in Liffey area. It is believed the same group is behind the attack on the buzz. The gang had fired two rockets propelled grenades and fired several times into the Boda Patro unit camp in Sheikh Baru area before they were repulsed. The national government is constructing 160 million shilling state of the art technical training college in Watamu, Liffey County to provide residents with the professional skills aimed at transforming the economy of the area. Liffey know the member of parliament, Owen Bayer, who is the project's brainchild says the college will also end Watamu's over reliance on the tourism sector which has been on a downturn in recent times owing to various factors, the latest being the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking after inspecting the project by SAID Watamu continues depending on tourism it will be difficult to sustain the people's livelihoods. By SAID programs which will be taught to the institution include engineering and hotel management. He said the college shall attract over 10,000 students who will together with the teachers and rent accommodation locally that will go to local economy including shops, restaurants and bars. To go and train to be a hotel manager that can be done here. So I am bringing training also to support the hotels which are here because our people get paid very little money because their employers are untrained equipment for this college is ready and the programs that will be taught here include engineering include hotel management. You don't have to go to utali to go and train to be a hotel manager that can be done here. So I am bringing training also to support the hotels which are here because our people get paid very little money because their employers are untrained or they are trained in the hotel they don't have papers, they don't have certificates but this college will train hotel management and all cadres in the hotel industry. In other news the government has handed over 170 locally acquired hospital beds to 14 counties each hospital will get 10 beds with Nairobi getting 40 beds industrialization and trade cabinet secretary Betty Minor who was speaking during the event said the government was moving to source locally manufactured goods to uplift the livelihoods of Kenyans. Minor challenge young people to showcase their capabilities and talents noting that going forward the government will begin to work closely with local investors. Interior principal secretary Karanja Kibishu who attended the event said the beds have been given to the counties at no cost. The right signals from government give a right push like in policy of you know buy Kenya, build Kenya that we are capable of generating this market for these products within our country and we are very excited when people come in and deliver. We are here today to demonstrate to the young people that we can actually use young people we can actually manufacture things here and the government can actually buy them and that is what we are here to do and this to serve as a lesson to the other young people that should you have your skill should you have the ability to do work by yourself use the opportunities that exist in government to be able to earn a living and make money for yourself will do everything possible to ensure that those young people that have good ideas are granted the opportunity not only to make what they have but also to ensure it is showcased to the consumers and their opportunity is actually Turning on to COVID-19 vaccination update the government of Kisi is calling on locals to go for the coronavirus vaccination access Kisi Deputy Governor Josh Mangi said he was taking the job as proof to locals that the vaccine was a fund meant to protect their lives speaking at Kisi Teaching and Referral Hospital Mangi encouraged people to get vaccinated he noted that in some countries non-vaccinated travellers were being denied entry he also said he had agreed with Governor James Ongway that they led by example by taking the vaccine Richard Donkwari who is the County Director of Public Health service dismissed the myths that she wrote in the vaccination Meanwhile in Mombasa County Jocham Hospital has received 800 doses of COVID-19 vaccines from the county government in a bid to protect vulnerable health care workers Jocham CEO Dr John Chamia who received the consignment see that the facility will not vaccinate underage persons and those allergic to vaccines vaccination is the new reality many people have been saying about side effects and all these things but you know I'm a believer that doctors here doctors treat but only God heals we must encourage our people to go through the vaccination process and you must understand that the new world now over the world there is even talk that you may not be able to travel to some countries if you have not been vaccinated so let's not discourage people let us not you know create a national doubt it's in the doing world now maybe we can scare in pain so let's not scare people this is the new reality and we must be prepared we have the last time when I spoke to my governor we agreed that as leaders we must lead from the front and you can see I'm here and we have shown people that all of us who go through this process let us encourage them to do this let us join the president in encouraging people to be safe wash your hands wear your masks as you can see I'm a mask and keep safe distances wash your hands wear masks keep safe distance because COVID-19 is a reality and we're told it's coming back with the dangers so let us protect ourselves let us heed to the health protocols let us make sure that we observe the health requirements and for even sake let us get vaccinated the government doing this for free and you know just like other vaccinations like measles people initially had walupe in Hestan but it turned out that it's a reality we must do this encourage everybody in Kenya more particularly in Kisi County our county let us get vaccinated but as we get vaccinated let us still continue observing the health COVID-19 protocols which are three, basically wear masks wash your hands keep your distances with that story we'll be taking a very short break when we come back I'll tell you what has happened to Kakamega Senator Cleopas Malala do stay with us we'll be back with most we just tuned in this is OI 254 news highlights now Kakamega Senator Cleopas Malala has been ejected deputy minority leader following resolutions by NASA Senators Parliamentary Group Meeting held at parliament today Kilifi Senators Tewa Madzayo has been fronted to replace him with the Speaker of the Senate Ken Loosaka said to communicate to the House on the same the opposition Senators accused Malala of alleged gross misconduct and mischief in the recently concluded Matungu parliamentary mini poll Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi has said his ministry will work closely with churches to see the peace and stability prevailed during the referendum and before the coming general election he noted that the church leaders had shown concern over what was happening in the nation Matiangi was speaking during a consultative forum with the National Churches of Kenya NCCK at Jumi Resort Conference Centre in Limuru to discuss how the two bodies would work together to see peace and stability enhanced in Kenya ahead of the referendum on 2022 general election this year they will build collaboration so that they can they can have constant communication and dialogue to ensure the country remains a peaceful NCCK Secretary General Canon Chris Kenyanyu the constitutional amendment bill has generated a lot of heat seeing the wanted assurance on the way forward Canon Kenyanyu the church wants to engage with interior ministry to curb divisive politics in Kenya we now have a new infrastructure where throughout our national government administration framework from the regional commission as security teams all the way down to the grass roots we will build a collaboration with them so that we have constant conversations and dialogue to ensure that our country remains peaceful and secure and stable even as we go through these national exercises that we carry out and as we go to that process we wanted assurance that this process is going to be peaceful is going to be safe and is not going to displace anybody from their homes and is not going to bring instability in our country now moving away from Kenya the rebel administration in eastern Libya has officially handed power to the country's new interim government based in Tripoli the handover ceremony took place just in Libya's second city Bagazi headquarters of the eastern administration and new government of national unity led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Debeiba and backed by the United Nations was shown in last weekend Tripoli to replace the two rival demonstrations which have been fighting for control of Libya in France President Emmanuel Macron announced that Paris will reopen its embassy in Tripoli next week which was closed in 2014 violence spread in the country Libya has been besaid by violence since forces backed by NATO through its leaders Mamar Gaddafi in 2011 towards national and international reconciliation the government in eastern Libya has handed over its power to the new government of national unity or GNU the people of Libya now the new government and the new government and now the new government will replace Libya and the new government will give all services to the people French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed the formation of the interim government he announced that France's embassy in the Libyan capital Tripoli will open next week after having been closed since 2014 it is not simply a support of Fassad it is a complete support that will be that of France as soon as Monday our embassy in Tripoli will be open and our ambassador who spent his days and nights working on the service of this ambition will be able to find your ground to implement everything we want to say to your side the unity government which is part of a UN backed plan was officially sworn in last week interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamed Debar has pledged to lead in Israel Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Nyatya Nyahu could struggle to secure enough seats to stay in power in complete results from Tuesday's elections continue to show with nearly 90% of what's counted his right-wing block is 8 seats short of the threshold to form a government arrival right-wing party would and another 7 seats if it throws its weight behind Mr Nyatya Nyahu the final results will among others things determined because of Israel's relations with the Palestinians Nyatya Nyahu with Israel as long as the serving leader has promised to form a right-wing government led by his Lekod party a smaller right-wing party Yamina led by Fuma Nyatya Nyahu loyalist Naftali Bennett could hold the balance of power but has not explicitly declared whether it will support the Prime Minister's efforts to form a government of those or those of opposition parties wanting to remove him now looking at COVID-19 situation in Kenya today 1,540 people tested positive for COVID-19 from a sample size of 9,348 tested in the last 24 hours this brings the rate at 16.5% from today's cases 1,446 in terms of administration in terms of numbers Nairobi has 865 Nakuru 139 Machakos 82 Kiambu 76 Kajedu 42 Wasengeshiu 36 Trukana 33 Mombasa 29 Kirisho 20 Kisumu 20 Tranzoyil 17 Kitui 17 Narok 14 Migori 13 Bumet 12 Bungoma 12 Kilifi 12 Nyeri has 12 as well with Garisa Nandi and Kisi has 8 Likipia 7 Meru 7 Darakanili has 7 Mandirai Andinyandarwa have 6 cases each Siyaia has 4 Ilkakamega having 3 Elgeo Marakwet 3 Busyan Makweni Moranga, Baringo have 2 cases each with the Tanariva Westport Court Homa Bay Kirinyaga Kwale and Lamu having 1 case each 184 Patiens have recovered from the disease 95 are from the home based and isolation care while 89 are from various health facilities total recoveries now stands at 90,770 18 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours 1 has occurred in the last 24 hours while 13 are late death reports from facility record record audits the cumulative fatalities now 2066 condolescence to the family and friends of those who lost their loved ones another 60 patients are separately on supplementary oxygen with 48 of them in the general wads and 12 in the high dependency unit with 1,073 patients currently admitted in various health facilities countrywide while 3,315 patients are on home based isolation and care with 141 patients in the ICU who are on ventilatory support and 99 on supplementary oxygen 8 patients are on observation and that story of COVID-19 situation in Kenya max the end of our broadcast tonight thank you so much for staying with us enjoy the rest of our programming see you again next week my name is Dereva Hilewi goodbye and good night


everyone and welcome. This is Melissa Arma with the stock swish and I'm doing an earnings season gap options newsletter special to help everybody out get going get trading and particularly if you are home in quarantine or still stuck in the house depending on where you are in the world you can trade and you can make money trading. Now if you happen to be at your job or you're working you can do options and you don't have to babysit them or be in the live trading room daily. So if you have would like more information about the options newsletter and specifically doing options using my gap strategy then feel free to call me at 929-3200 gap or email me at Melissa at thestockswish.com and I would follow me on Twitter Facebook and YouTube where I do many many many many videos. So when I call the trades for the options letter they come in an email and trust me when I say having someone as a mentor makes a huge difference. I do a lot of videos on updates targets things we're looking at just random emails throughout the day when we're watching something saying the numbers that the stock needs to break and having a mentor help you hold the conviction makes a huge difference particularly in this market not only do you number one have to know what to do which means you need a good strategy to make money but number two you also have to have conviction you have to can have conviction to hold the trade in the right direction right now this market is falling I said that it would this was a great call and again having a mentor helps you stick it through and stay with the trades until you can make money until the trades go so you learn as you're along the way the options newsletter is the trades can email to you this is not a class okay it is a newsletter subscription this was one whoo for a while back now here this is Boeing really Boeing had the biggest sell-off in March and I think it's gonna sell off again but in fact it's selling off today but really the biggest sell-off was in the month of March we did do these puts here April 14th I call them the 145s and I'll again I'll go back this was a quick one in here it's dropped immediately gap down the next day fell so this was a nice trade could have done it boom cost was 550 not very expensive 15 contracts was a risk of 82 50 shoulder 1250 was a profit of 10,500 if you have a small account you can trade options so you could do one contract for 550 and you could have made $700 or you could do two or three whatever you can afford options you don't need margin that's a benefit of options and your return in investment for this was well over 100% 127% so usually I'm calling them within a two-week period but again the trades are emailed to you now is a great time though to trade again if you're quarantined the house particularly if you have time time to trade money to trade money to sign up for my services this is a great deal feeling financially secure and not only that independent it's so important right now that the power the power to make money is within you it's up to you to do it to move forward just because you're stuck in your house doesn't mean you have to be stuck in your trading having this own financial freedom and the independence of the feeling that you can do it is so important right now and again one of the nice things is you can trade anywhere on earth from home so the gap options is on our subscription through the end of 2020 I'm offering for $49.99 so this is a great deal the rest of the year you get all my options calls for the entire 2020 year this offer ends May 8th you don't have to wait to sign up till then because obviously you'll start getting trades right away as soon as you sign up sign up over the weekend you'll get Monday's trades there's no trials for the letter there's no monthly subscription it's normally an annual subscription for $69.99 so I'm doing this for five grand for the period to the end of the year so it's a really nice offering if you want to sign up for this email me and Melissa the stockswish.com to get the sign-up forms and start trading immediately I'm telling you it's been a great great year 2020 very very active year Mark has been volatile I've called it right thrilled to see what happens for the rest of the month of May and if you have questions email me or reach out have a great weekend everyone


Good afternoon and welcome to the U.S. Institute of Peace on what I hope will be the last snowy day in the winter season in Washington Thanks to all of you who meet it here today My name is Mike Yaffe. I am the vice president of the Institute's Center on Middle East and Africa And I have the honor to be joined today by the Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamayas Jinawi as well as Tunisian ambassador Faisal Goya and Friends and colleagues from throughout the United States and partner organizations in DC and throughout the globe I would like to thank particularly our friends from the Tunisian Embassy for partnership Partnering with us today in organizing this important event U.S. Institute of Peace was founded in 1984 as an independent national Institute dedicated to the proposition That peace is possible peace is practical and peace is essential for the United States and for global security We pursue this vision of a world without violent conflict by working with partners on the ground in local areas And we provide people organizations and governments with the tools knowledge and training to manage conflicts So it does they don't become violent and when they do to help resolve them Today's discussion will highlight the crucial role Tunisia plays in developing inclusive democracies countering violent extremism and Building peace in a region facing instability uncertainty and violence We will explore how the u.s. Can continue to develop a strong partnership with Tunisia in Supporting u.s. National Security and foreign policy interests in Pursuing our vision of the world without violent conflict USIP has worked closely with Tunisia to support governance reform Strengthen civil society and promote peaceful and constructive dialogues to address internal conflicts USIP's work in Tunisia is bolstered by the presence of our field staff based in Tunisia Based in Tunis. Excuse me one such example of us IP strong engagement in Tunisia in Tunisian civil society is what we call our alliance on of Tunisian facilitators These are individuals who employ mediation techniques taught by the USIP to facilitate Dialogues at the local and community level Recently the alliance members engaged leadership from both student unions at the University of Manuba To address political tensions and prevent violence on the campus This resulted in an agreed code regulating student conduct Which was launched last October in the presence of the University administration its faculty and the Education Minister This historic document represents a significant achievement for peace in Tunisia And our team is hoping to replicate it in our efforts in other schools and at other unions Among the supporters within the Tunisian government for our alliance is Foreign Minister Junawi it is my pleasure to have Minister Junawi with us today to continue the conversation on Tunisia's role as a democracy in the region Minister Junawi was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in January 2016 Before his appointment he was the diplomatic and foreign affairs advisor to the president And has also held the position of Secretary of State for foreign affairs He has served as Tunisian's ambassador to the Russian Federation Ukraine United Kingdom and republic of Ireland His dedication to peace brings him here today To share his perspectives and answer and answer our questions After delivering his remarks minister Junawi will be joined by ambassador William Taylor Our executive vice president at the u.s. Institute of peace And ambassador Taylor will moderate the discussion So please welcome minister junawi good afternoon everybody honorable vice president of usip ambassador william taylor dr. Michael jaffy Distinguished guests ladies and gentlemen It is indeed a great honor to have the opportunity today To address this gathering in the prestigious united states institute for peace to whom i am really grateful for the opportunity I also availed myself of the opportunity to acknowledge president nancy lindenburg and ambassador taylor Two to france of tunisia and praise their relentless commitment with the rest of the usip team To enhance bilateral relations between tunisia and the united states of america I would like also to like to point Out that the establishment in tunis of usip have represents a milestone On the path of promoting peace in our region a cause to which tunisia remains firmly committed I will not miss the opportunity today To recall one of the historical moment in the interaction between tunisia and this institute when back in may 2015 His excellency president bejekai sebsi on an official visit to the united states Was here as a special guest and gave a lecture on the theme Beyond security why us tunisian strategic partnership matters During which ambassador taylor was then also the moderator Ladies and gentlemen Today tunisia is again honored At this prestigious institute with this special event Offering the opportunity to reflect on why tunisia should matter for the new administration In washington The answer to this question can be found Not only the long history of relationship between the two countries But in the present as well As i mentioned yesterday to the secretary of state Mr. Rex Tillerson tunisia is proud of its deep-rooted and long-standing ties with the united states of america that date back to 1797 and This year we are celebrating The 220th anniversary of the first diplomatic link between tunisia and united states These relations were consolidated during tunisia's struggle For independence stretching to the building of the modern tunisian state to january 14 2011 revolution We are today sincerely grateful to the united states of america for all the support provided throughout our common history It is the fact it is a fact That the united states support through several mechanism programs as well as financial and military's assistance Was a significant contribution to in tunisia efforts to build the modern and democratic state ladies and gentlemen tunisia transition today towards Democracy has been fraught with challenges and crisis But unlike other countries, however tunisia opted for dialogue as a way to resolve conflict and build consensus That is no coincidence tunisia enjoys a singular modernist And reformist tradition and a strong supportive civil society Having achieved major strides in the political process With the adoption of a new constitution that enshrines Secular universal values and democratic standards tunisia is once again Offering a model and an alternative to radicalism and to all form of extremism Nevertheless the tunisian experience is still fragile And vulnerable to domestic and regional threat budgetary pressures social pressure Due to the persistence of unemployment and rising prices terrorism and extremism a real threat that could hamper the transition process moreover regional conflicts Mainly the situation in libya labor in libya Have further complicated tunisia endeavor and yearning towards a stable secure modern and democratic country Terrorism emerged as a scourge From which no country is immune Recent worldwide tragic event have illustrated the expansion of the world map map of terrorism Showcasing its global aspect which needs a global response Not only by military means but also by An ideological and social approach The war against terrorism declared by tunisia after the terrorist attack in 2015 Takes a particular significance After the unprecedented attack on bingarden The small small city the south of tunisia by islamic state militant who attempted to proclaim a daesh province in the south of the country The first anniversary of the the heroic battle of bingarden Was celebrated a week ago as it came to be known as a sign of tunisia resilience And invulnerability to daesh expansion ambition in the region thanks to the heroic Heroic and patriotic reaction of the local community and of course our brave military and security forces It is indeed very insignificant that the security partnership and cooperation Against terrorism and extremism were at the center of the recent telephone conversation between president Bejingheisepsi and president donald trump on the 17th of february The two leaders agreed to maintain close cooperation in order to win the war on terror Against which nobody is immune Tunisia is indeed at the forefront of the enter terror War and has made counterterrorism a high priority on the national level and in its international relation Around 20 percent of the public budget will be devoted to security in 2017 This is a considerable national effort As tunisia faces a wide range of other pressing challenges mainly in the economic and social fields Tunisia adopted in august 2015 a low on combating terrorism and money laundering Which is in line with international standards and best practices and reflects tunisia engagement to honor its international commitments Ladies and gentlemen In order to tackle the terrorism threat tunisia also adopted in november 16 national uh 2016 A national strategy to combat extremism and terrorism strategy that endorses a multi-dimensional approach articulated around four pillars prevention protection prosecution and response As part of our commitment to contribute to the international efforts against terrorism We have joined the global coalition against isis in september 2015 This coalition proved to be very effective and tunisia will be actively participating to the ministerial meeting On the defeat of isis due to be held in washington on march 22nd On this occasion tunisia will reiterate its commitment to this collective response to the common threat of terror We will also underline the importance of a holistic approach in the war against terror Taking into consideration the need for multi-dimensional solution Including the support for economic growth and employment in order to completely eradicate terrorism from our society In this regard, I would like to express tunisia gratitude for the valuable assistance that united states is providing In the framework of our increasingly effective cooperation to prevent extremism radicalism and terrorism The selection of tunisia on the 60 as the 16th major non-native ally of the united states of america sends a strong signal of support for tunisia's choice To join the world of the world democracies Thanks to the support of our partners among which the united states of america the security situation tunisia has significantly improved over the last couple of years Ladies and gentlemen, we equally command the american financial assistance that contributed in helping our young democracy overcome economic and security hardship We will remain hopeful That these assistance will be further strengthened as tunisia is going through an exceptional and critical phase in its history And and thus needs exceptional support from its actual friends and partners such as the united states of america In order to help the country tackle the growing security and economic challenges and meet the people needs and expectation The stable secure and democratic tunisia will be a real blow to non-democratic forces, which hate fundamental freedoms and capitalized on the disillusionment And discontent of some segment of the tunisian society by introducing a regressive and obscurantist Ideologies in order to cause instability and jeopardize modernist social achievement made since the independence Ladies and gentlemen, restarting the national economy, which is deeply linked to the improvement of the security situation Reducing unemployment among university graduates and regional disparities needs major infrastructure projects Especially in the internal region that will help playing the foundation for an inclusive and long-term growth In this regard. I just had before this this meeting A meeting with the mc's the millennium challenge corporation leadership board of directors, which To which we I we express our gratitude and thanks for selecting tunisia and making it eligible for funding under the compact program To tackle such a problem and eradicate poverty through economic growth In dealing with this challenge Tunisia has been engaged in process of reforms With the aim to improve the economic environment Securing an investment friendly climate with an equitable share of development and revenues Hence the tunisian government has already enacted major and challenging reforms The investment law the public private partnership the banking sector reform and most importantly A legal framework pertaining to transparency and anti-corruption, which is one of the most comprehensive in the region It is indeniable That the tunisian market remain an interesting asset for economic development for both local and foreign investment Noteness the the main case Case to success will rely on restoring socio-economic stability and addressing security concerns ladies and gentlemen It is a fact that tunisia stability and prosperity are tightly related to to its geopolitical situation Particularly in north africa In that regard it is obvious that the political stalemate in libya alongside the dangerous deterioration of the security situation Of the security situation that country affects tunisia as well as all neighboring countries Generating tremendous threat to the future of the region as a whole Taking into into account The situation in libya and the region and the important and vital stakes for tunisia We have taken the endeavor to help facilitate the consensual peaceful settlement of the crisis in libya President mejikai tsebsi launched in mid december 2016 An initiative associating two other neighboring countries Namely algeria and egypt and with the aim of working to facilitate Facilitate and commit all together to work A direct contact between the libyan faction in order to reach a consensual and comprehensive political settlement In the framework of the u.n sponsored agreement on december 2015 subsequently a ministerial meeting between tunisia algeria and egypt was held on february 19th and 20th 2017 in tunis as the first major step on the path towards a common position Of the three neighboring countries and their commitment towards a comprehensive solution The meeting allowed the three ministers The three foreign ministers to share the results of their consultation with the libyan involved parties And to prepare for holding a tripartite summit dialogue in algeria. Thus the initiative became a tri-lateral one The tunis the tunis declaration for a comprehensive political settlement in libya Adopted by the ministerial meeting emphasize the important important aspect such as Respect of libyan sovereignty the rejection the rejection of any foreign interference or military escalation And to consider that the settlement will be only political between the libyan themselves Regardless of their political orientation and affiliation The declaration also stresses the role and the responsibility of the united nation to support and follow up Any entire libyan dialogue with the involvement of the three neighboring countries This initiative created three positive dynamics One a first dynamic consists in the great conversions between the three countries in attitudes and political concept And vision for a peaceful political solution after the signature of the declaration by the ministers of the three countries And its adoption as a platform for a dialogue between the libyans And as an official document to the united nation the african union and the arab league Two a second dynamic was created among the libyan parties As they shown they have shown the desire to end the stalemate and reach a political and peaceful exit from the crisis And as the representative of institutional forces inside libya expressed their confidence in tunisia And particularly in the vision and position expressed by its president third thing The initiative has created the dynamic among influential countries on international regional arena By supporting this tripartite approach and the effort which aimed to create a climate of material trust Between the libyans in order to return to the negotiating table and reach compromise solution to Two difficult issues and considering that a ministerial statement reflect the will of the international community This trilateral initiative needs to be further supported by international partners Particularly the united states as a privileged partner in resolving the libyan crisis However, it is important to say that the this initiative Had and the huge efforts deployed to make it succeed to not aim to impose any solution to the on the libyan But to rationalize their position in order to reach Consensual and inclusive agreement Ladies and gentlemen The initiative for libya is but Another proof if needed be of tunisia commitment and determination to play a role Not only in its immediate geopolitical environment, but on a global scale as well Our proactive role in the arab world Illustrated by the successful completion of our recent mandate at the head of the arab league council and Our full-fledged involvement and contribution to the advancement of the african affairs Are significant and do reflect the importance of of the place tunisia holds And the respect it enjoys among its pair Taking into consideration all these aspects I can safely state that tunisia stands as a reliable strategic partner of the united states of america As such stable tunisia can only be an asset both Regionally and globally and that would not only serve tunisia interests, but also those of the united states of america Ladies and gentlemen allow me to conclude with a few thoughts as a response to the theme of the event Why should tunisia matter for the new u.s. Administration? In a nutshell nutshell I can state that Tunisia and the united states enjoy long-standing ties of friendship and cooperation These ties need today and more than ever to be further strengthened and diversified for the mutual interest of our two friendly countries and peoples Tunisia an open tolerant and proud country of its arab african and military heritage is a strategic ally To the united states and a trusted partner and friend in the region Tunisia with the collaboration of european union and american partners could be a model of a country Which is capable of social resilience in the fight against the scourge of terrorism and extremism in the region Tunisia which has all the ingredients of stability Or harmony society or young and vibrant democracy and constant policy of non interference Could play a major role in reinforcing the pillars of security and stability in the region, especially in brotherly libya Tunisia at the end and the united states of america share the same values And should be strong partners in combating terrorism and mainly isis Thank you very much for your attention So far minister Thank you.  Yes so Minister let me first of all, thank you very much for for being here Let me also thank everyone who has jammed into this room This is a tribute minister to what what you are here to talk about and that is the importance of Tunisia by the people in this room Coming out on a difficult day So I really appreciate that and there are people behind these cameras back here Many of whom had intended to be here, but they're going to be here watching you On online. So there are others that are that are back there This is a great opportunity for us to have a conversation with you and as you saw next door We've been able to bring representatives from the defense department And from the the united states agency international development and the state department Here the three d's that we say And representatives from the congress are also here whom you will see again tomorrow So this is their Wallace and we have a former ambassador ambassador jake wallets here who We're very pleased to see back here It's this it's a great opportunity for us to have a conversation with you and I will shortly ask the You all in the audience for your questions for the for the foreign minister Because you Are tired of reading But you gave a great statement minister about the answer to the question that is Why jesus should matter to the united states we here in this country Have had an unusual election Some of the conversations during this election campaign this past election campaign last fall centered around The role of the united states in the world And some argue that we should look first To the united states look first the home others argued that nope We have some responsibilities abroad you have just made the case for tunisia I remember the last time you and I were together Actually, I visited the the foreign minister in tunis on election day And I went to bed Tunisian time before the polls closed here in in the united states we shared our predictions So it was a very interesting conversation But that was an interesting election and it did have this these questions Raised about the role of the united states in the world You've given you've you've talked about shared values and you talked about the role of tunisia In fighting terrorism and and extremism I know you've had a conversation with secretary of state and you'll have an opportunity to talk to the congress tomorrow In in your words then What would you say to people in The heartland of the united states about why tunisia is important? Well, it is important because as I said in my speech that it's This is a country which has a very long history of friendship with the united states of america So it does not depend on the one single administration It goes back to 120 years And we think that we are good friends because United states was there when tunisia was struggling to gain independence And the united states helped tunisia within the united nation Making its case, you know to obtain its independence then when we start building a new state the modern state united states was Among the first countries to come to tunisia and help peace corps and many other programs usid And many other agencies were there in tunisia helping tunisia in the remote area of tunisia, you know getting uplifted and You know getting access to major Important services. So we are grateful to that kind of relationship now since 2011. We are started a new new New page of our history and united states was there Among the first country to say this is something unique which deserves the attention and the support of this country and Land the require support to tunisia. So we don't think that there is What is happening here in united states and this is something domestic which We don't have any business on of talking about it I think this is something For the american to judge, but we say that these long-standing friendship deserves the attention Because what tunisia is doing is for the interest of tunisia, but also for the interest of the american people Mr. You also described Another of the values that that tunisia represents to the united states Is your stabilizing role in the region? You mentioned that tunisia is a strategic ally a major non-native major non-native ally of the united states But you are also taking initiatives which you described The tripartite initiative on libya. Yes, maybe you can say a little more about That is that one of the things that the institute of peace does is we try to encourage Help support Local governments and local people resolve conflicts themselves. This is not for us to do this is for Tunisians to do and and eventually libyans to do But how is that? How is that process going to Result in in and more stable part of that world? Well, we are in the beginning of a process because the situation in libya is interoperable It's a difficult situation and we think that Just we hear today that there are some fights going on in Tripoli So this it's in the immediate neighborhood of tunisia and tunisia has A stake in helping the libyans, you know getting together finding a political settlement of their difference We think that there are all conditions for the libyans to settle their difference. This is a harmonious society A society with no ethnic or major ethnic difference And there is no reason that the libyans should not get together and settle their difference and have a stable government You know to be an interlocutor for the rest of the world We need the stable libya next to tunisia because our experience is interlinked with the situation in libya libya was a major A partner of tunisia 2.5 billion dollars in exchange were made in 2010 But unfortunately all this has evaporated because of situation libya Also libya now is becoming unfortunately a safe heaven for all these terrorist groups trying to settle down, you know In a country where there is no strong central government. So it is our duty to help the libyans The libyans with whom we have also Very strong relationship Going back, you know centuries But also it is in the interest of tunisia and the neighboring countries to help that country, you know settle their Settling its problems Mr. You mentioned that you had seen secretary tillerson Yesterday He has been to libya. I suspect in his previous job. You said he hadn't been to tunisia not The oil reserves in tunisia are less than that. No, I didn't say that. Oh, you didn't say that Never said that. But he did visit tunisia very well and you invited him, I know to come to Yes, I should write him as a friend of tunisia to come and visit and witness by himself The the work done in tunisia and how tunisia is a good friend of the united states And stability in libya will be important for you your economy Your stability, but it's also important for the world economy for that for the oil reason Yes, well The stability in tunisia, I mean the stability in libya will yeah Yeah, the stability and libya, of course, it's it's important for the security first of The libyans of the neighboring country, but also of europe libya is just 50 triple is just 50 minutes from Italy, so it's it's very important It's a quite a strategic country where everybody has to look to help the libyans settle their problems Otherwise if there is an explosion there The the its effect will touch everybody Including here in the united states, so there is a stake For everybody to get interest in the what is going on in libya Not just for oil not just for oil no, sorry, but it does affect the the world economy And the price of oil When when the foreign minister was an ambassador, he was the ambassador to russia the soviet union at the time No, it was in russia. It was in russia and diplomatic before that it was the soviet union. Yes Again one of the earlier times when we met we had a conversation about our different views of of russia but The oil price has some effect on the stability in russia and so again if if stability in in libya Supported by and facilitated by this tripartite work that you're doing can can put some downward pressure on oil prices That could be that could put some more pressure on russia as you have as you have pointed out before most probably i think But anyway, it was not the frankly speaking it was not the strategic aim Our strategic aim when we started this initiative of helping the libyans settling their differences But if if one of the results will be that it will help stabilizing the oil price then It's good. I mean for the libyan, but the russian and i'm sure for the americans a side benefit I think that's exactly right Mr. Let me ask people in the audience if they would like to ask questions of you And I will open this, uh, please let's see. Yes. Uh, garratt has well and thank you both for this thing Okay, so we'll start right here. Emily we can start right here Emily has been working all day I think we we've and despite the fact that the institute piece is in the middle of the snowstorm We had the uh, kenyan prime minister here and former prime minister and so Emily staffed that one as well As did garratt. Thank you both very much and yes, ma'am your question. My name is dochi fasigina. I'm with freedom house It's a pleasure to be here and listen to you with your remarks um I want to hear a little bit if you wouldn't mind speaking a little bit about the democratization process in tunisia I'd love to hear a little bit about your views on the truth and dignity commission and how That's evolving in the country. I'd also love to We've been following the decentralization process in tunisia and feel that that will be critical in Bringing more support and representation to tunisians and the interior And I'd love to learn a little bit about your views on how that's going as well. Thank you Should I Answer what that one had several parts. So why don't you do that and then the next then after that we'll take maybe two questions at a time Yes, the uh I think we have already achieved major steps In the democratization process. We have a now stable institution with the uh, a vibrant multi party parliament we have A president directly elected by the people for the first time We have government enjoying a large majority within the parliament 169 seats among 217 And we have a permanent institution Which were envisaged by the constitution One one of them. This is not what I mean the truth and the dignity Uh commission is not part of the constitution is it's it's not a constitutional Commission, but it's part of the process It it's it's working normal and Almost on a weekly Paces there are some tv broadcast showing the situation of many tunisian who are victims of the old regime and So I think it's it's working properly. There is no problem of having that commission It's part of the process, but besides that commission. We have many other commission like justice for example commission We elected the justice commission, which should be running the justice System in tunisia. It's no more the the minister of justice who runs the system. We have an independent commission which Designate judges looks after their career Move them from one place to another give them notes and the minister is watching He is not he is no more involved in this process So and it's by the way, this commission has a majority of women 18 women among 32 members So it shows that we we want quite made Big strides and in that field also giving a parity between men and women We think we think that we we are very proud of the achievement made on the democratic process But still we are just in the beginning. We are not a democracy We are not a democracy yet We are we are aspiring to become a real democracy But democracy comes with security with economic development with prosperity shared prosperity with all among all tunisians, but the wheel is there We have a freedom of press. We have 46 TVs in tunisia today. We have 146 parties Around 86 newspaper we used to have one newspaper for almost 60 years. So we we have 86 today. We have around 100 Website and electronic media. So it shows it's it's an explosion of free freedom of expression It is not an easy easy to manage all this But there is a strong will from the authorities to keep it working and running well because it's it's the in the interest of the Tunisian people The model that tunisia provides Of a democracy or near democracy I would say that it's a democracy I would I would say that we we all have there are flaws everywhere including here but in the region A muslim arabic democracy Is unique I believe in and in tunisia. So this is a this is a model I think the uniqueness of these experiences to show to the rest of the world that This picture between islam And democracy can work hand in hand We want to demonstrate to the rest of the world That this is a muslim arab country proud of its heritage but ready, you know to expose International values and become member of the concert of democratic nations.  So we need some strength, you know to grow up That's why we need the support of our friends to get more immunity, you know and to continue our Progress absolutely great question Kim Holmes Emily right here Kim home is a heritage foundation mr. Mr. Thank you first of all for coming to the united states It's an important for you to be here At this time there's a lot of things in flux in washington and it's important to have your voice here at this time uh as I'm sure you know, uh the Foreign affairs budget of the united states is facing some fairly severe cuts Perhaps as much as 37 percent for the for the annual budget And you've already had some discussions with members of congress about this. I I understand Can you spend some time? Describing how important the us aid is to all of the goals that you have mentioned here There's different kinds of aid of course whose economic support funds and their security assistance There's different kinds of aid And it's important as we here in washington and the united states debate the impact of these budget cuts It's not just what happens with the state department budget, but what also happens with the aid budget So could you spend a bit of time? Describing how important specifically the us aid is to the objectives that you have described here today Minister why don't we take that one? That's an important question that will give you Opportunity to answer with that focus. Yes Should I ask this? I think by the purpose of my visit is not to talk about the cut of the aid is to the increase of the aid So but this is something something something, you know A debate domestic debate going on here in the united states, but I think it's vital What we the kind of support receiving we receive from united states is vital Because it helps us frankly speaking It was vital in improving the capabilities on the effectiveness of our fight against terrorism It's the capacity building The training the equipment which we have Ordered from united states, but also we are getting as Amazing on night to ally Will help us, you know fight a common enemy Which is threatening not only to lisia, but also united states So we hope that despite this budgetary cut that Whatever Support we are getting from united states it will not Be cut but in the country it will be increased and that's the kind of message Which I wanted to try to convey to the congressman Senators whom I met During these last two days on the economic front also we We hope that united states will continue Giving the support it is doing now to tunisia not just as a financial aid, but also as training as Helping tunisians, you know Reform its laws and ambassador Wallace knows that there are a few Ideas and few projects which we are conducting together. So we hope We hope that what has been achieved In the last few years will continue And in the country will expand for the interest of both countries That's our hope Very good. Okay, so let's do two questions now all the way in the back Um Thanks, Emily. It's all on Emily's side here. It's coming Garrett. Come here. We're coming here. We're coming and also right here. Yes Right there in the gray jacket Yes, ma'am. Hi, my name is Maria Mujerhead. I'm 16 years old and I'm an exchange student in the u.s with with the u.s department So at the end of your speech you mentioned about the relationship between the u.s And tunisia and for me as an exchange student I see about 35 exchange student from tunisia coming to the u.s every year But at the same time i don't see american exchange student going to tunisia like at the same time Meanwhile, I see exchange student going from america going to other north african and middle eastern countries So for you, what do you think like? Other ways that can more strengthen the relationship between the the two countries Thank you. Very good. Okay. The exchange is very important And I know that uh, best rewatch actually was responsible for getting uh, some of these exchanges going in this direction. This is important. Yes, sir Yeah, oh, I'm sorry. I I thought it was gonna be that guy, but stand by it. It's coming. It's good. You want to do him now There you go I'll back one further one further there you go. That's who I meant. That's who I meant Sorry, it wasn't clear again. That was my fault Thank you very much. I thought you were taking question from your friends But now we are friends. Thank you. Uh, my name is mahmoud charawi. I'm from egypt. I'm with american university my question is You know, um, tunisian and gypsians have longed for democracy for many years, but actually what is part the arab spring Wasn't just democracy, but um the economic Demands of the people Burnt himself because he didn't find Like a chance to to live properly or to live decently so after six years of the revolution that left the institution of the of tunisia intact and after the removal of um, the corrupt regime and um, um and tunisia being blessed of being away from Like the the main area of conflict in the middle east So why tunisia is not doing so well economically? And the people actually took out to the street took to the streets because of economic reason primarily So two questions then what about exchanges? Yes, and one of the egypt experience No, but I didn't see the link between egyptian and tunisia. Why tunisia is not doing well in the economy? I didn't see the the link Yeah Well Well regarding the exchange, of course, this is one of the major topics we are discussing with the our american france We would like to have more tunisian coming first to united states We have the thomas jefferson program for tunisian students coming here But we think that the number is not sufficient We we think that there is a possibility of increasing those numbers because Investing in young people going get getting to american universities investing in the future and in the relationship and the friendship between the two countries but regarding the some Student american students going to tunisia. There are a few of them studying in tunisia. We want more of them Frankly speaking, we open our universities to more americans We used to have very good institute in tunisia teaching American diplomats arabic. It was closed down after 2011 We are hopeful that it will come back because it was It was there for almost 40 years. So it was very efficient and it has its impact on on many American diplomats who served in the arab world. So there is a scope here to for further development in This this field regarding the economy in tunisia and why it's not doing well despite the aspiration of the young people in 2011 Unfortunately, you know We and before the revolution we used to have a system That system was running the country it was doing Grossomo do well in the economy But because we used to have five percent rate of growth that system Has been has complete. I mean has been changed completely changed and we are building a new system now Another system liberal system linked to a political democratic system It takes time to run that system because for example decision making now is not one person who takes decision We have to go through a process whatever whatever agreement we have with the foreign country We have to go through the parliament it takes time to approve those agreements and with foreign partners and We lose a lot of time You know getting the money dispersing dispersing them and starting the projects We are very aware of that And that's why we Of course the major reforms have already been achieved We have a new investment code now trying to attract More investment. We have a new law related to public private partnership the new banking law New competition law The all these legal framework Will help we hope will make Tunisia more friendly for foreign investors But when you have Unfortunately terrorist attacks This frightened, you know foreign tourists and The whole tourist sector Which represents 7% of our GDP collapsed almost collapsed in 2015 Now fortunately thanks to the work done by our security forces Now the situation is getting better and we are getting more tourists. So it's it's it's a transition process Which does not respond as Quickly as the young people wish it But we are there. We know we know that we have to improve the pace of reforms and respond to the expectation of Tunisia people And just on the point about about Egypt The fact that Tunisia is a democratic model And is the only Muslim-arab Democracy in the region Does give it an advantage on as as stability comes The Investors will be looking for democracies to invest in and so I think that will That will prove the the wisdom of the Tunisian people moving it forward Okay, I'm going to go back here this young woman here and then I'm going to come back up here because I I'm just Garrett right here. Yes Very good. Well done Hi, thank you very much minister. I'm Elise goss alexander with the u.s. Commission on international religious freedom um, I was wondering if you could speak a little bit more about some of the non-military approaches that the government is taking to countering violent extremism in the country you mentioned addressing unemployment for University graduates, but I was wondering if you could expand a little bit. Thank you So there's that one and then we'll take one other question at the moment You know, I I promised uh, peter tobran here right here. So Okay, so religious freedom and yes, thank you sir pj. Tobias from the pbs news hour actually in about two weeks We're going with a crew to tunisia to do a couple of stories Sort of about the cultural resurgence of the country in the last few years One thing we're not going to be able to really touch on is the us the us tunisia military relationship I know that last year a fusion center was established um, and that there I've read somewhere that there were calls for More drone oversight us drones on the libya border. What would you like to see? From an enhanced military relationship with the us and what do you think the us military can do for the security of tunisia? Two good different questions here two absolutely you can choose which one you want to do first Well religious freedom, I think I don't think there is any problem of Of religions freedom in tunisia. It's Enriched in the constitution We have one of the most modern constitution giving Liberty of conscience to tunisians, which means anybody in tunisia can practice its religion freely Without the interference of the state I think there are a few free free countries in the world Which has this like a legal? sorry protection for the the Religious freedom Addressing radicalism. I agree with you. It's not just a security issue. It has to be And that's why we laid down a number of programs related to education to social To the role of woman role of family role role of the civil society To help these young people, you know getting the right education and the right to bring it up in order to Immune them against extremism and radicalism We are in the process at the beginning of the process. We are in good cooperation with different countries, particularly european countries And there are a whole program run run now by different Different ministries and different departments in order to address this this issue Regarding security I think we have a quite substantial cooperation between Tunisia and united states It's it is it relates of course to as I said to capacity building to trading but also united states is helping tunisia you know Having the right and the proper tools Electronic tools to monitor our border with libya Where there is a kind of fence Which we are building with the united states but also with the germans In order to protect our border. We have a quite big border with libya 540 kilometers, which is unprotected now and We have to find more sophisticated on modern ways To protect ourselves from any infiltration from terrorists from a neighboring country I'm glad pbs news hour is going to visit Tunis. This is you are welcome. It's very good. Okay. So two more here. Um, let's go here one Um, and in the back there get right there there you go and emily right here Um, munjid al-wadi from the center for the study of islam and democracy. Welcome minister in dc given the problematic policies that the this administration is pursuing And its attitude toward the muslims and islam You mentioned that tunisia is a muslim Country proud of its heritage and it's also a democracy. I'm just working, you know, Interested to know if what is the attitude of this administration? When you try to make that point to them That there is no contradictions between islam and democracy and that Many different parties might have a framework of Uh islam within its understanding of when dealing with politics are they receptive to that to that kind of idea very good Yes, sir Hi, my name is musad the cabrera. I'm a libyan researcher at colombia university in march 2015 the tunisia ministry of commerce estimated the number of libyan refugees in tunisia to around a million refugee which is Roughly 10 percent of the tunisia population Giving the economical challenges that tunisia faces right now. Um, are there any international local Efforts to improve the conditions of the libyan refugees in tunisia? Thank you Okay Again, you have your choice which to do which order. Yeah. Well regarding islam What the colleague Um qualified of problematic policy for islam I think uh, we didn't we didn't frankly speaking I didn't have the opportunity to raise this question because I don't think it's an issue for tunisia Anyway, tunisia has been a muslim country for 14 centuries now And I don't think it's it's a problem of claiming to become to be a muslim country You mean maybe the political islam that's another issue And political islam in tunisia is part of the whole spectrum is part of the government And it's well integrated within the system The the political the islamic party in tunisia is playing I mean respecting the rules of the game and I think it's part of the whole system It's does not raise any problem within tunisia or with our minister Maybe the maybe the question was in your conversations with this administration in in washington They that have you know, there there are allegations that the immigration ban on or restrictions on on muslim countries certain muslim countries Demonstrated Some kind of an attitude that I think you may have been asking about was that your question? That's part of But we are not in the Middle East we are the north africa We're a different part of the world so but Regarding the ban of foreign I think this is a sovereign frankly speaking we we we don't question or discuss This decision which is part of the The sovereign sovereign decision of the president Trump He can make for to protect the security of his country Whatever measures he would like to make tunisia is not included in those countries and I think there is a motivation the motivation security more than the religion That's how we understand it so We think we don't think that We have to judge or prejudge such kind of decision from the Tunisian point of view And you have the question on the libyan refugees Right the question on the libyan refugees. Yeah, sorry. Yeah, sorry Well, first of all, we don't consider them as refugees Did we ever said that we have 450,000 libyan living in tunisia as refugees? We never raised this with the international community or the international Organization we consider them as part of the Tunisian society. They are well integrated. They live with us We never claimed any compensation for them though. They you know benefit of like any Tunisian citizen from all the social support and subsidies from the government But we never asked this kind of question because we think that we have very strong relationship with the libyan people and In 2011 when we received 1 million 1.3 million Refugees from libya. We never claimed this. They came they went out from tunisia. They didn't make any problem They were received within the tunisian families They sent their children to study in tunisian schools And they are not picking problems So frankly speaking we we we don't consider them as the refugees and that again points out how how tunisia is a model and more countries Probably should do that that kind of approach on on refugees ambassador I know you have other places to be I There are many other questions that do it love. I but I don't want to put you off schedule here So you and amal can tell me when you have to Time for two more questions five five minutes. Okay So We'll do This lady in the back and the gentleman in the front So Emily here Yes, ma'am Hi, my name is rosalie rubio. I'm a phd student at george washington university. So thank you for your time I wanted to ask you if you felt that tunisia's current counter-terrorism and security policy Has impacted tunisia's attempts to consolidate its democracy And if so how and how might those challenges be overcome? All right, very good. Uh, yes, sir I tried it again here. I'm sorry, Emily. That's right. All right. Do do two do two quick ones. Yeah I'll be quick. Uh, how would look Frankie with the christian science monitor something of a follow-up on my colleagues question here my friend's question in the back on the economy, but We've heard at least since the uh, arab human development report of 2002 that youth unemployment um Must be addressed and that the problem of Radicalization of youth, you know won't be addressed until Youth unemployment is brought down Among arab youth and i'm wondering what progress have you you know, have you made in over these years? I know you've talked about about this But what specifically has been done what kinds of things are being done to address this? very critical issue to the problem of Radicalism and extremism Very good. Last question Hi, i'm emir sferzi full bright scholar Tunisian full bright scholar at the school of international service American university and i want to ask Mr the the minister about the Rescheduling or the report or the reducing of the tunisian debt as we know that the tunisian debt is a major Challenge facing us and have we had Such initiative from this new US government to continue to support tunisia And we know that the imf and the world bank and all the Lenders that gave us money are putting a lot of pressure on us about all the reforms. Thank you Okay, minister. So we have counterterrorism versus democracy youth unemployment and tunisian debt All in three minutes We can make another lecture on these issues Well counterterrorism are low. We are we are a new democracy now. So we have a law which we we should respect But these are the enemies. I mean these foreign fighters coming back to tunisia or Tunisians who are involved in terrorism. Yeah There is a special law which was enacted in 2015 It's very specific It Fixes the rules to be applied for any person involved in terrorism. So these people will be treated According to the law Their human rights will be respected But of course the the country has to protect itself From these individuals So we are we are very very clear about this Uh, we will apply for them the low prevailing law Youth unemployment that's that's a major issue in tunisia It was the origin the start of the revolution 2011 because Unfortunately, we have we used to have at the time around 600 thousands young people without without jobs Among them 250,000 with university degrees Uh We were talking about democracy these people. They are still waiting for the dividend of democracy To show them that democracy is worth supporting because it improves their way of living To be realistic Till now because of the Economic situation the country is not yet able To deliver to the expectation of those young people some of them have been employed There are different programs which were Put by the government, you know, like startups encouraging people, you know, having their own business Uh developing kind of training and vocational training, you know to give them the right training to make them more you know, uh, accepted by the By the business people But still there are hundreds of thousands them Still looking for jobs And it's going to be for a number of years like that Some of them have been recruited by the first by the government Coming after 2011 the troika government and they were recruited by by the in the civil service but unfortunately now Because of that passive recruitment within the government we have problem with the IMF Because we have to reduce the number of the people working for the government. So, uh, it's it's a difficult situation. It's not easy We are aware of it. We are looking to find the way to respond to the expectation of those young people We are having Different kind of programs with our partners, particularly in europe We are we just discussed with germany the creation of a new university for vocational training Which will be built immediately in 2017 in order to help those young people, you know, with university degrees Getting the right Training and the right education to be employed by the uh by the private sector Which then leads to the last question on tinesia debt Yeah, yeah, uh, there is one one You know, uh Important policy which tulisia pursued in the last 60 years We never defaulted paying our debt Till today we have difficulties We have major difficulties pressure from the budget, but till now we respect Our obligation paying on time our debt We hope that will continue like that. Some of our friends and partners Started converting some of our debt into projects Just france italy germany lately and switzerland belgium different amount and different programs But still the debt is getting larger It's around 56% now of our gdp. It's In 2011 was 46 So it's it increased a lot the last few years It's a major problem But we are trying to find ways to convincing our friends and partners to help us Either You know finding converting some of that debt into development projects and some of our friends are responding to that request Minister you have answered the question Why should the united states and the international community support teneza to make it a success? I want to thank you for doing that. Please join me in thanking the minister for his time


Yes. Good evening, Mr. Rickerman. Here. Mr. McDowell. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Mr. Badura. Here. Mr. Vine. Here. Mr. Davis. Here. Mayor Benjamin. Here. Will everyone join me? Join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  I'll show you. That's my head. We are blessed to be a part of the fabric of this new year. And we simply ask that you might touch and energize each of us as our city continues to expand and grow itself. But we know that in the midst of all of the things that has taken place in 18, we move into 19 with new priorities, new possibilities, new opportunities. We ask that thou would touch us, ignite us, and give us the energy that is necessary to get the job done. We ask it in your name. Amen. Thank you, Mr. Assistant City Manager. Next item is adoption of the agenda. We have an amendment to the agenda amendment with an item 14 to reflect the purchase of a ladder engine and to decrease the purchase amount to $1.431,847.33. The correct item is as follows. Council is asked to approve the purchase of a ladder truck as requested by the fire department. Award to emergency equipment professionals using the HGAC interlocal contract in the amount of $1,431,847.33, which is about just under $102,000 less. This vendor is located in South Haven, Mississippi. With that amendment, we entertain a motion to approve the agenda. So move. Very good. Mr. Mayor. Moving to second discussion by Mr. Badura. The only discussion is I'd like to make a request to hold item 31 and 32. Part of that agenda. Yes, sir. We discussed that. All right. We're going to amendment item 14. We're going to hold 31 and 32. Any other discussion? Seeing none, we'll move to the previous question. Mr. Mayor. I apologize. What's the, I think we've got CHA's position. Is it ready? Are we ready to move with it under the appointment? No, I think we're going to hold. We're going to hold both of them. We're going to hold both of them. All right. Is that until next, next meeting? Yes, sir. All right. So we're going to do the retreat as well and meet. Okay. Okay. Chanique, would you talk to Ashley and just make sure we have clarity on how many slots we have on DDRC in particular next week and which ones are open. Just thinking about that after a conversation we had earlier. All right. All right. Move to the previous question. Clerk Cormorall. Mr. Rickerman. Aye. Mr. McDowell. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Mr. Badura. Aye. Mr. Vine. Aye. Mr. Dade. Aye. Mr. Benjamin. Aye. Next item on the agenda is public input related to agenda items. Okay. Is there a motion to approve the minutes of December 18, 2018? Second. Is there a second discussion? Seeing none, move to the previous question. Clerk Cormorall. Mr. Rickerman. Aye. Mr. McDowell. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Aye. Mr. Vine. Aye. Mr. Badura. Aye. Mr. Davis. Aye. Mr. Benjamin. Aye. And thanks to the clerk for expeditious completion of those minutes. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda, item 7 through 24? So moved. Second. Move to second. Discussion? Mr. Rickerman. Yeah, I just, I failed to mention this earlier when you were making an adjustment on item 14. Item 15 was actually is less than what's on it as well due to a rollover contract. I just thought it would be helpful if Clint just maybe explained that before we voted on it. So item 15 pertains to the Water and Sewer Rate Study update, which we do every year with Black and Beach Consulting. This is a contract renewal. The value quoted there includes, the proposal value is about $108,000 is the base services. There are a few optional services that we can include if we so want to. So that's a not to exceed cost. It includes some contingency there. They're based proposal for the Water and Sewer Update is around $108,000. Just wanted to clarify that. Thank you. Um, you have a discussion with the previous question. Clark, Colorado. Aye. Mr. Mcdowell. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Mr. Badura. Aye. Mr. Vine. Aye. Mr. Davis. Aye. Mayor Benjamin. Aye. Our next item is in Zoning Planning Matter Second Reading. Item 25, Annexation, Interim Comprehensive Plan, Map Amendment, and Interim Zoning Map Amendment. Is there a motion? So moved. Is there a second? Second. In discussion with the previous question, Clark, Colorado. Mr. Rickerman. Aye. Mr. Mcdowell. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Mr. Badura. Aye. Mr. Vine. Aye. Mr. Davis. Aye. Mayor Benjamin. Aye. Next we'll move into a public hearing. Ordinance is first reading. Item number 26 is ordinance number 2018-078, establishing a moratorium on shared mobility vehicles. Is anyone here to speak in favor of or against the ordinance? Is there a motion? Is there a second? Second. In discussion, I would say that we're going to have a significant discussion of the next year with a good committee of businesses and others who have interest in this product being offered in Colombia, but making sure we do it right in the interest of the public health and safety, and we look forward to making something happen here. Move the previous question. Clark, Colorado. Mr. Rickerman. Aye. Mr. Mcdowell. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Mr. Badura. Aye. Mr. Vine. Aye. Mr. Davis. Aye. Mr. Benjamin. Aye. Item number 27, ordinance number 2018-079, amending the 1998 Code of Ordinances of the City of Columbia, South Carolina, Chapter 12, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Article 1, in general, to add section. We're both together, but that's okay. We'll move the previous, I'll move approval. Is there a second? Second. In discussion. Move the previous question. Clark, Colorado. Mr. Rickerman. Aye. Mr. Mcdowell. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Mr. Badura. Aye. Mr. Vine. Aye. Mr. Davis. Aye. Mayor Benjamin. Aye. Our next section is resolutions. Item number 28, resolution number R, 2018-111, certifying building sites as an abandoned building pursuant to the South Carolina abandoned building's right for review. So moved. So second. Second. Question, Mr. Duvall. Was that when it was drafted? It was drafted. It was drafted. That's a good question. When we drafted those, those would have been 2018. Well, is there any different, has there any different than 26 and 27? Yeah. I think it's one that's drafted. I think it's one that was drafted in file. Move on. All right. Move the previous question. Mr. Rickerman. Aye. Mr. Mcdowell. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Aye. Mr. Badura. Aye. Mr. Vine. Aye. Mr. Davis. Aye. Mayor Benjamin. Aye. Excited to see what's happening at 1321 loss. All right. 29. Item 29, resolution number R, 2018-114, authorizing the city manager to execute the Boyd Island Abing rights agreement between the city of Columbia and Darnell W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation. Move the approval. Second. Moving second. Discussion. This is really exciting. And I'm excited to see what's happening here. This is an exciting one. Thankful to the Boyd family and certainly Mr. Boyd's. One of his many legacies here in the city. Move the previous question. Court Colorado. Mr. Rickerman. Aye. Mr. Mcdowell. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Aye. Mr. Badura. Aye. Mr. Vine. Aye. Mr. Davis. Mayor Benjamin. Aye. Item number 30, resolution number R, 2018-115, authorizing the city manager to execute a purchase agreement for bulk water to Stumgate subdivision between the city of Columbia and Carolina water system. In motion. Move. Second. Second. Any discussion? Seeing none, move the previous question. Court Colorado. Mr. Rickerman. Aye. Mr. Mcdowell. Yes. Mr. Duvall. Aye. Mr. Badura. Aye. Mr. Vine. Aye. Mr. Davis. Mayor Benjamin. Aye. Items during the work session. I know we discussed a discussion, a comprehensive discussion around homelessness going to the Committee on Community Development, Economic Development, and Missy and the rest of staff bring our partners around the table to discuss if we can be even more strategic in ways in which we meet the needs of our unsheltered citizens. Move that that go to the Community and Economic Development Committee. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? Move the previous question. Court Colorado. Mr. Rickerman. Aye. Mr. Mcdowell. Aye. Mr. Duvall. Aye. Mr. Badura. Aye. Mr. Vine. Aye. Mr. Davis. Mayor Benjamin. Aye. Any other items at work session or items for committee report or referral? All right. Now in the period of public input, we have three citizens who sign up to assume, speak, or at least make their presence known. First is Mr. Solis. Signed to speak, and of course we know the rules. Reggie, please. Good evening to all the members of the City Council. I hope everybody enjoyed your holidays. Just as a reminder, I'm Reggie, Director of Needful Things Columbia and Lexington SC, Board Member of Homeless Helping Homeless. I'm on the Steering Committee for Mealshare Program at United Way, a member of Mock, and on the Review Committee to help decide who gets funding from United Way this coming year. As I've said before, I appreciate the Council's time, and I'm here again, and will continue to return until we can find solutions to what I see are relatively easy problems to resolve. I wanted to once again, though, thank you, thank the Mayor for the proclamation. For the proclamation last month, joining in the Nationwide Recognition of Homeless Persons of Loyal Data, it really meant a lot to lots of folks, and plans are already being discussed for next year. I'm not going to take too much time to deny it. As you already know, I will continue to return and be repetitive until we can find some resolution to these issues. I do have two new questions tonight, though. Finley Park, I know that it's going to be going through some renovations, which will most likely mean that at some point the park will be closed to the public. Has anyone been discussing where things like meals, clothing, hygiene products can be given to homeless? As I understand it, currently Finley is the only park where these things are permitted. Something we'll have to think about. Oh, yeah, absolutely. And how many signatures does it take on a petition to seriously be considered for a proposed law? I've been circulating a petition on those two nice circuit court rulings, and I want to know what it takes to be considered to be written up for a law. Four signatures. Four signatures, that's all. I'll have at least a thousand in the next month. All right. The two problems that came to you in the past were the laws punishing homeless people sleeping in public when there's no other options. And the other thing was about items being taken and thrown away, and I do have a question about that. Are things like bicycles and other usable items put into the police auction? And doesn't that equal to the same as stolen goods being sold? What is the difference between police seizing personal property and selling it and somebody stealing from somebody's home and selling it? And I'm still concerned about the weather center. Does somebody answer that question? Yeah, this is obviously not the best format for a dialogue. Let's take the questions on one by one. I'm not sure there's a police auction of items, but the motion we made earlier about having this roundtable discussion around various homeless issues and those are all important issues, particularly the one about Finlay Park, if we're able to move forward with development there. I'd love to have you around the table as we discuss those as well, in addition to the other issues. And when I said four earlier, I just meant an act of city council, so you don't have to have a petition to have an issue addressed by council at all. And as I've said before, each time I come here, I would like to see Columbia be a leader in accepting these policies instead of one of the last as our reputation. I do want this state in which I live to be an example to others that we care about our fellow human beings. And lastly, the challenge that I made to you, have you considered it? I have. One thing I think that if you would accept this challenge, your public image would grow so much, because I think people would really, and how many people are willing to do that. So, but if you or any of your council members or representatives for you do decide to experience what too many of our fellow homeless Columbians do daily, I would be willing, despite my own health, to accompany that person and show them the real side of homelessness. Once again, I thank you mayor and city council members for taking the time to listen to me. Thank you. And Missy Kaufman, can we make sure that when we do gather, I do want Mr. Soley's in the room to discuss homelessness issues. So, thank you so much. Mr. Lazarus Layseth, did you want to speak? I don't know. If you just signed in when you came in, you know some folks. Hi, my name is Lazarus Layseth. I already talked to councilman Sam Davis, but it was about being recognized as the only national food title here in Columbia, South Carolina. So I wanted to know if there was anything I could go about doing for that. Only national what? I didn't hear. National food title here in Columbia, South Carolina. Tell us about it. In 2016, I actually got an e-mail from Thomas Inglis Muffins saying, hey, do you want to compete in the competition for food trucks? And first I thought it was a fake e-mail, so I didn't answer. I thought it was spam, and then they called me and was just like, hey, we want you to compete. So for five weeks, I went against every state in the United States, and for five straight weeks, I beat out every state in the United States to win the grand prize of $25,000. So I won that prize, and I actually took that to make the restaurant that I have today. So I just used the money to fund it, so that way I don't have to take out a loan for the restaurant. So now I have the twist. So now we do different things, like we have different sponsorships from Sara Lee, Arnold Bread, and we're currently going on Guy's Grocery Game at the end of this month. So we're always bragging and reinventing different things. Where's your restaurant? Two Nights Road. It's right across the street from Duncan Donuts and Big Lots. So it's like in the plaza, right across the street from there. Yeah, we first met through the North Columbia Business Association. He was just kind of getting off the ground. And somehow that slipped through the cracks. And I think given what you've been, where you are now, and how you got there, and the fact that you're local. You're local. Yeah, we can, let us, I'll work with some colleagues and some other folks and see how we can kind of put that together on your behalf. It's a plus for the city, really. Let's spend some time chatting about it. All right, we'd love to recognize your success and help promote it. All right, thank you all. All right. Absolutely. And Ms. Christie Savage? No. Okay. All right, any other citizens wanted to address who didn't have time to speak? Seeing none, we'll move the previous, well, I'm sorry, we'll move, there's no motion to adjourn. Don't move. Is there a second? We'll move the previous question. Y'all don't want to see her for like 15, 20 more minutes? No, we'll move the previous question quick from her own. Hi. Yes. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. I think Jeff Paley may have a new record. Who knows?


Since humility is the truth about God and about the soul, it helps the person to be able to see that everything we do should be directed toward the praise and glory of God. It also helps us to realize that every grace and gift comes from God, and that one's very being exists only in and from God.