Correspondents met with another part of the Nobel Prize Winning-quartet, Abdul Sattar Ben Moussa, Head of the Tunisian Human Rights League.

Ben Moussa presents his views on Tunisian civil society and the risks still facing the transition process: terrorism, human rights violations and hard social and economic situations.

Did you win the Nobel Peace Prize because of the Tunisian General Labour Union?

Correspondents met with another part of the Nobel Prize Winning-quartet, Abdul Sattar Ben Moussa, Head of the Tunisian Human Rights League.

Ben Moussa presents his views on Tunisian civil society and the risks still facing the transition process: terrorism, human rights violations and hard social and economic situations.

Did you win the Nobel Peace Prize because of the Tunisian General Labour Union?

In fact, we had expected the Tunisian General Labour Union to get the prize, as it ranked second last year when a number of Tunisian academics addressed a letter to the prize committee, nominating the UGTT and highlighting its initiative to launch the national dialogue, calling various parties for negotiation to overcome the economic and political crisis in Tunisia in the summer of 2013. The letter brought to the world’s attention to the success of the national dialogue experience in Tunisia.

However, given the huge competition and numerous candidates (273 files representing 68 organizations and 205 figures, the second highest number of candidates in the prize’s history), our winning with the rest of the quartet parties was a pleasant and unexpected surprise the Tunisians will never forget.

Who is the first winner among the laureate quartet?

Actually, it is a historic honour beyond the four organizations: honour to all the homeland martyrs and the revolution martyrs (December 17 – January 14, 2011), who sacrificed their blood for freedom and democracy, paving the way for pride and dignity and ending injustice and corruption. This is a prize for Tunisia and for all Tunisians, without exception.

The prize came just in time; the first serious message from the world to support the democratic transition in Tunisia and our region. It demonstrates that Tunisia is united in fighting terrorism and working for the revolution goals and for eliminating tension and enhancing the Tunisia economy and tourism sector.

We, in Tunisia, believe that there is always a solution for any deadlock. The prize is the beginning of relief from Tunisia’s difficult situation and a step towards confounding the politicized views of many countries that Tunisia lacks security and peace. We have difficulties, but we continue to find solutions.

In a slip of the tongue while opening the national dialogue, you said “himar” [donkey] instead of “hiwar” [dialogue] and opponents of the dialogue have sarcastically used this mistake in their jokes. What do you say to them today?

(Smiling) I tell them yes, the first donkey in the world has won a Nobel Peace Prize. The Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet got an international prize, contested by the German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Pope Francis as well as US Secretary of State, John Kerry and his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif. Perhaps that slip of the tongue was the secret of success.

While commending the prize, some observers are still wary of the security, economic and social situations in Tunisia. What do you think?

Yes! That is right. Everybody should be aware that Tunisia is still facing political, economic and security challenges, not to mention the recent terrorist attacks that have contributed to the decline in the tourism sector, the backbone of the national economy.

Thus, the quartet’s role is not over. Just as we contributed to the transition from provisional to permanent institutions, we will contribute, as a civil society component, to the country’s safety.

Do you think Tunisian civil society has really become able to secure the transition, despite all the threats and challenges?

Historically, civil society has had a major role in the life of Tunisians. The UGTT, for example, has a great history of struggle and negotiation and was the incubator for all political forces and cultural competencies. In addition, the Tunisian League for the Defense of Human Rights has always backed justice against injustice, despite Ben Ali’s attempts to control it. The same applies to the Tunisian Order of Lawyers and Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handcrafts.

We cooperate with other active organizations involved in public affairs. Perhaps one of the meanings of awarding the prize to the quartet is to recognize the leading role of civil society in Tunisia and its efforts to save the country. I hope that civil society will remain a shadow-power, under whatever regime, and will have a say in all major issues and reforms. Today, civil organizations, especially those who ran the national dialogue, have enough credibility and responsibility to assume their role in democracy and freedom.

What message did the Norwegian Committee want to communicate to Tunisia and the rest of the world by awarding you the prize?

Through the dialogue approach, Tunisia has given an honourable image of its people, elites, national forces and political leaders. It is a message for all Tunisian people to unite with a view to overcoming different security, social, political and economic challenges and fighting terrorism.

On the other hand, it is a powerful message to all Arab countries to overcome their crises through establishing dialogue. I hope that the prize will inspire all those who seek to promote peace and democracy in the Middle East and North Africa and the rest of the world.

The prize is also a great message of hope for all peoples struggling for freedom and democracy. Hatred, extremism, war and terrorism can only be a path to death. We know what wars and conflicts have done in some neighboring countries. We call on them to follow the course of dialogue and unity for the benefit of their countries.

How can the prize be invested, especially in economic terms?

As I mentioned, the prize recognized that life, peace and investment are possible in Tunisia. With the world’s most important peace prize, Tunisia’s name has spread throughout the world and our country has become the forefront of all global news, and this is the most important promotion of the country’s image. I believe that Tunisia will achieve further gains at the economic level and that we will succeed in our democratic course toward stability and social consensus.

Tell us about the amount of the prize. When will you receive it and how do intend to spend it?

The prize will be delivered on December 10 in Oslo, the Norwegian capital. I was told the amount will be 972,000 US dollars or around 1.9 million Tunisian dinars.

As I mentioned above, our job is voluntary and remains working for the public and not anticipating any reward. As for the money, the League has its executive office and has members throughout the country (about 40 branches in the most important Tunisian cities). When we get the prize money, the league members will discuss how to use it. However, our most pressing problem is the lack of decent headquarters, where we can organize meetings and receive petitioners and guests.

Is the league still receiving cases on torture or persecution in Tunisia?

Of course, we still receive some grievances and expect that there will always be violations, though individual in some cases. It is our duty to unveil and address these violations. The league will continue to do its duty, defend the oppressed and address all types of violations.