File photo of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today congratulated the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet for winning the Nobel Peace Prize, saying their work was an inspiration to the region and the world.
The civil society leaders were cited for helping to create the only democracy to emerge from the Arab Spring.
"The Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet offers hope that serious political challenges can be overcome through dialogue and consensual politics," Ban said in a statement.
"Their example is an inspiration to the region and the world."
The UN chief offered congratulations to the quartet, but added that recognition also goes to the Tunisian people.
"This recognition belongs to all those who gave birth to the Arab Spring and are striving to safeguard the sacrifices of so many," he said.
"The Arab Spring began with great hopes that were soon replaced with grave doubts."
"Tunisia has managed to avoid the disappointment and dashed hopes that have tragically emerged elsewhere."
The award to the Tunisian pro-democracy activists came as the United Nations is stumbling in its efforts to end the four-year war in Syria, which began as an uprising against President Bashar al-Assad's regime.