by Xinhua writers Huang Ling, Xu Supei
TUNIS, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Working to realize long-term goals has become the key to the success of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which is leading the Chinese people toward common prosperity, former Tunisian Foreign Minister Ahmed Ounaies told Xinhua.
Ounaies, 86, a retired career diplomat who had served as ambassador to several countries and Tunisia's foreign minister, has continued to follow China's development.
"The CPC always has a clear strategic goal," said Ounaies in a recent interview with Xinhua, adding that democracy practiced in China is "honest, pragmatic, and without showmanship."
The meaning of democracy lies in social, economic and cultural progress, said the former diplomat. "It is in these fields that China has continuously set and achieved a series of long-run goals to rejuvenate the nation."
Concerning accusations of China's democracy, human rights and other issues by the United States and several countries, Ounaies deemed them "untenable and a political calculation."
"What the Western media has blackened China reflects that these people do not really understand the meaning of democracy, and they do not really follow up and think about the great significance of China's practice and efforts to the Chinese people and the world over the past 70 years," he added.
Ounaies noted that these "arrogant and condescending" accusations are hardly convincing.
The Chinese people have witnessed the CPC putting China on the road to prosperity, said Ounaies. "Therefore, they have strong determination in upholding the leadership of the CPC, safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity."
The retired diplomat also stressed the CPC is a party with "the ability to adapt and evolve, an open mind to new things, and the courage to attract and apply the advanced forces."
Thus, according to Ounaies, "it is no accident that the CPC led China to success."
Moreover, among China's successful practices in recent decades, Ounaies highlighted universal education, saying it has cultivated a group of Chinese people with lofty ideals, forming the foundation for the country's development at all stages.
"I believe that under the leadership of the CPC, China will continue to create miracles and play a huge role in maintaining world peace and stability," Ounaies said. ■
