Tunisia Border Security: Government moves to tighten security before polls

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In Tunisia, interim President Mohamed Ennaceur has chaired his first security meeting since taking office last month. The country has been under a state of emergency since 2015, following two suicide attacks that year. Adnen Chaouachi reports.

Mohamed Ennaceur's meeting with the National Security advisors and the army generals focused on imminent security threats on the border regions with Libya.

MOHAMED ENNACEUR INTERIM PRESIDENT, TUNISIA "I wanted to hold this meeting to talk about the situation in the country. Recent reports say it's stable and the armed forces are mobilized everywhere. However, the unrest in our neighborhood and the region have made us rethink our security strategy."

The Interim President added that the army will be responsible for securing polling stations in the towns and cities in 24 governorates.

MOHAMED ENNACEUR INTERIM PRESIDENT, TUNISIA "We'll soon hold the presidential and legislative elections. We must guarantee smooth, democratic and transparent conditions. Security is our priority. The army's role is central to secure the elections in collaboration with the security forces."

Analysts assert that the security situation is still fragile in Tunisia.

The Interior and Defense ministers are on alert during the election campaign.

ABDELLATIF HANNACHI PROFESSOR OF HISTORY, TUNIS UNIVERSITY "Tunisia has been the target of terrorist cells, groups and individuals since 2012. The interim President's role as Chief of the Armed Forces is to deter any threat to national security."

Over 10,000 soldiers and 30,000 policemen and national guards have been deployed to guarantee security during the tourist season and the elections.

ADNEN CHAOUACHI TUNIS "Interim President Mohamed Ennaceur has extended the state of emergency nationwide for one additional month. The state of emergency was first declared on November 24, 2015, after a terrorist attack on a Presidential Guard bus and has ever since been extended for many times."

ADNEN CHAOUACHI, CGTN, TUNIS.