BIZERTE, Oct 15, 2009 (TAP)- President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali, on Thursday morning, chaired in Bizerte the ceremony commemorating the 46th anniversary of Evacuation Day in an atmosphere of reverence for the memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to clear the national territory of the last foreign soldier.

A particularly warm people's welcome was extended to President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali by men and women citizens of the governorate of Bizerte, who gathered in front of Martyrs Square, waving national colours, portraits of the Head of State and banderoles greeting the President of the Republic and reaffirming loyalty to the homeland martyrs. Citizens chanted cheers at length, wishing long life to President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali and reiterating their gratitude for the progress recorded in the governorate of Bizerte in all fields.

They also reaffirmed support to the civilizational choices of the President and allegiance to the Head of State so that Tunisia keep on forging ahead on the way of progress and prosperity.

President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali walked through November 7 Avenue to wave back to the greetings of citizens who flocked enthusiastically in order to express delight at meeting him. Upon arrival on Martyrs Square, the Head of State was greeted by the Prime Minister, the National Defense Minister and local officials .

He saluted the flag as the national anthem was being performed and reviewed a detachment of the three arms paying him honors. The President of the Republic then headed to the Martyrs Memorial where he laid a spray of flowers and recited the opening verses of the Koran to the memory of martyrs.

This remembrance ceremony was also attended by the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, the Speaker of the Chamber of Advisors, the Members of the RCD politburo, the Members of Government, the General Secretaries of political parties, the Heads of national organizations, consultative councils and official bodies as well as a large number of Activists, Resistance Members and Senior State Executives.