UN Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Lynn Pascoe, on Wednesday wrapped up a four-day visit to Tunisia and Egypt, where he discussed the two North African countries’ democratic transitions just months after they underwent revolutions that toppled long-standing regimes. A UN statement, made available to PANA in New York, stated that Pascoe told officials in Tunis that the UN and the international community were watching the country’s transition with great interest.

It quoted the UN official as saying that, 'Tunisia is the vanguard of democratic transition in North Africa and the Middle East and it is in all of our interest to help it succeed.'

It also said: 'Pascoe acknowledged that the transition will take time and require patience from the population and voiced confidence that Tunisians will be able to conduct credible elections that are scheduled for October.'

He also added that the UN had made available some of its best electoral experts to assist Tunisia in the staging of the polls.

In Egypt, where he met with government officials, political party leaders, youth representatives, candidates for upcoming elections and UN staff, Pascoe expressed confidence that the transition process would move forward in that country as well.

The Under Secretary-General confirmed that the UN had offered Egypt technical and logistical assistance to help carry out elections later this year.

Pascoe heads the UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA), whose tasks include overseeing the provision of UN electoral assistance.

At least 100 countries have received such help in the past two decades.

Pana 21/07/2011