Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali said here Thursday his country hopes the year 2006 will be characterized by global reconciliation and dialog, in which the Palestinians will retrieve their legitimate rights and establish an independent state.

Tunisia supported the cause of the Palestinian people, said Ben Ali, while receiving New Year congratulations from foreign ambassadors.

He also called on international organizations, especially the "Quartet" attempting to bring about peace in the Mideast, to continue their efforts to secure a comprehensive, just and durable peace in the area.

The Quartet is made up of the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations.

The president said it is Tunisia's hope that all Iraqi parties could reconcile and unite to create a safe and stable environment for the nation's postwar reconstruction and development.

Ben Ali also said the United Nations and its affiliated organizations were the most suitable for intermediating and settling international affairs.

The president added that Tunisia will continue to promote dialog between different cultures and religions for world peace and security.

He appealed to all countries to strengthen cooperation to eliminate the roots of tension, instability, conflict, economic imbalance and poverty.

Source: Xinhua