First Independent Mena Newspaper
Tunisian authorities Monday extended for one month the state of emergency in place since last November attacks. President Caid Essebsi’s office made the announcement saying the decision was taken in consultation with the government and the parliament. This is the fourth time the state of emergency is being prolonged. In the wake of November attacks […]
Tunisian President Caid Essebsi has announced a unity government would be named no later than June 27, reports say. President Caid Essebsiis still continuing consultation for the formation of the unity government that he announced early this month. Local media, quoting close sources to the President, indicate that consultations will heat up this week to […]
Tunisia’s powerful labor union UGTT Wednesday underlined its rejection of President Essebsi’s invitation to join the future unity government currently under discussion. The UGTT said in a statement that as a union it is not “its role to join any government.” The UGTT decision was made after a board meeting discussed President Caid Essebsi’s call […]
As Tunisia’s President Beji Caid Essebsi continues consultations about the formation of a unity government, the Tunisian Premier has excluded stepping down; explaining that replacing his cabinet at this critical time will be a “setback” to efforts achieved to face the country’s numerous challenges. “The current stage requires keeping in place the cabinet that will […]
The European Parliament on Wednesday approved a plan to lend Tunisia €500 million on favorable terms to help it reduce its external debt and consolidate its democratic mechanisms. The plan was backed by 561 votes to 76, with 42 abstentions. Rapporteur of the debate Marielle De Sarnez (ALDE,FR) emphasized that it is “a loan which […]
The United States and the European Union Tuesday pondered over future strategies to see how they can both further help Tunisia face up economic and security challenges dogging its nascent democracy. A forum organized by the Atlantic Council Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East was chosen as a platform for discussions. The topic, “A […]
Tunisian security forces last week nabbed six terrorists at Monastir international airport as they were traveling on fake Libyan passports. Tunisia has been struggling with militancy since the 2011 revolution which ousted former President Ben Ali. The North African country was hit last year by three major terrorist attacks perpetrated by Islamic State fighters who, […]
Tunisian ambassador to London Nabil Ammar has called on British government to ease its tourist travel restrictions imposed on his country since last year after 30 Britons were killed in a terror attack targeting foreign tourists. Isis claimed responsibility for the attack, which led the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to advice against all but […]
The Speaker of the Tunisian parliament, Mohammed Ennaceur, denied reports that Tunis has approved the deployment of a military base in the country after it was designated as a major non-NATO ally of the US by President Obama. Speaking to Russia Today, Ennaceur claimed the reports are “not true” because “there are no such plans.” […]
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a $2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Tunisia to help the country carry out its economic and financial reform program. This program aims at promoting stronger and more inclusive growth by consolidating macroeconomic stability, reforming public institutions, facilitating financial intermediation and improving the business climate. According to […]