Tunisia: Broadening the scope of the social contract.

La Presse writes that the decision by the Interior Ministry  not  to approve any demonstrations on  Friday, and its appeal to citizens to remain calm and not to demonstrate on the streets,in an effort to "help police services to preserve the overall security, seems to presage a healthy desire to avoid confrontation between opposing groups on the streets.

It observes that rejection by salafist demonstrators against the art exhibition at  La Marsa which was likely to offend islamic sensibilities was an interference  with sacred beliefs took on the appearance of a holy war against the symbols of the Tunisian goverment and state authority.

 In this highly charged situation it was surely better to ban the planned demonstrations because, according to the Interior Ministry, it could encourage other parties to violence  peaceful marches could be made to wreak havoc by agents provacteurs.

This demonstration ban comes in the wake of Tuesday's horrific violence the paper says, that took the art exhibitiuon at La Marsa  of works of art accused of desecrating the sacred as an excuse for violence, for which responsibility has yet to be  established by evidence.

Just attack came two days after a call on a video by al Qaeda leader, Ayman Al Zwahiri, urging Tunisians to revolt, it is obvious that any street disorder could play into the hands  of supporters of international terrorism, La Presse says, noting that opposing demonstrators could fall victim to violence and force.

The paper  recomends expanding the field of communication by reaching out and opening up new horizons. So that the ship of state arrives safely  back to port.

The revolution of freedom and dignity is subjected to a daily test, but the hope of building democracy stays strong among the overwhelming majority of Tunisians , La Presse comments.

The daily trials provide so many reasons to persevere in the path of moderation and building consensus.

Tunisians have managed to withstand the test of a deadly and widespread popular uprising and a democratic transition with brought  with it transparent elections. They should now stay the course of joint action and joint work with the image of consensus achieved as stated in the preamble of the Constitution, La Presse declares.

It says that a modus vivendi must be created so that respect for the sacred, individual liberties and artistic creation, are achived and accompanied by red lines preserving the rights and beliefs of each party. The bickering and violence that has been evident since the end of the revolution has to end.

The temptation to use organized violence  whether on the part of  groups advocating extremism in the name of religion, or because of the inertia of forces against the Revolution is strong. These are temptations that might   encourage or facilitate partisan actions.

 La Presse calls on its readers  emphasising the seriousness of the situation  declaring that "the fate of the revolution is in our hands. Let us preserve it because it has given us the word and promises a better tomorrow. Democracy, dignity, justice and shared prosperity."