Tunisia's PM-designate Approves 18-month Political ‘Truce’

Tunisian Prime Minister-designate Hisham Mechichi is shown being sworn into a previous post as interior minister outside the capital Tunis, February 27, 2020. Fethi Belaid/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
Tunisian Prime Minister-designate Hisham Mechichi is shown being sworn into a previous post as interior minister outside the capital Tunis, February 27, 2020. Fethi Belaid/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
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Tunisia's PM-designate Approves 18-month Political ‘Truce’

Tunisian Prime Minister-designate Hisham Mechichi is shown being sworn into a previous post as interior minister outside the capital Tunis, February 27, 2020. Fethi Belaid/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
Tunisian Prime Minister-designate Hisham Mechichi is shown being sworn into a previous post as interior minister outside the capital Tunis, February 27, 2020. Fethi Belaid/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

Tunisian Prime Minister-designate Hisham Mechichi has expressed willingness to convene with political parties represented in the parliament.

He also welcomed on Thursday all initiatives to form the new government, including a proposal made by the People's Movement for a so-called 18-month political “truce.”

During a press conference, Mechichi stressed the importance of solidarity among various ministers.

As for the government’s program, Mechichi revealed that he will draft a document, on resolving economic and social problems, to be proposed to the parliament.

Tunisian parties have expressed conditional support to Mechichi’s proposed lineup. The People's Movement introduced an initiative that aims to overcome a political trust crisis, while Tahya Tounes insisted on three conditions to back the government.

President of the Free Destourian Party (PDL) Abir Moussim, in an open letter to the PM-designate, said that PDL would give its confidence to the cabinet “if none of its members is affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood.”

Head of the People's Movement Zouhair Maghzaoui called for a political accord on granting confidence to the government under the condition that the PM-designate presents a clear vision on resolving Tunisia’s economic, social, and financial problems, and amends the electoral law within 18 months.

A parliamentary session dedicated to granting a vote of confidence to the cabinet is scheduled for early next month. The government lineup includes 28 qualified and independent figures.



Arab League Secretary General: Global Inaction Allows Israel to Widen Its Regional War

Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Arab League Secretary General: Global Inaction Allows Israel to Widen Its Regional War

Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit expressed grave concern over Israel's actions against Gaza residents, accusing the international community of failing to protect Palestinian civilians and halt Israel's expansion of its regional war.

He emphasized that the ongoing global inaction, now extending over a year, and the silence from nations allied with Israel implicate these countries as complicit in Israel's aggressions against Gaza, SPA reported.
Speaking at the ninth Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean, held in Barcelona, Aboul Gheit noted that international incompetence has enabled Israel to escalate its regional hostilities, resulting in new suffering for the Lebanese people, who are now also under bombardment. He added that in Gaza, 90% of the population is displaced, crowded into makeshift tents within only 10% of the territory.
Aboul Gheit urged forum participants to take cues from European nations that have recently recognized an independent Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967.

He also called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and the full implementation of Resolution 1701 to establish lasting security along the border. Holding the international community accountable for the continuation of this war, he demanded swift action to bring an end to the violence.