Political uncertainty forces Egyptian PM to postpone Tunisia trip

Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali remains committed to a technocratic government Egypt's Ambassador in Tunisia Aymen Mouchrifa has confirmed that Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Kandil has postponed his visit to Tunisia, scheduled at the end of February, until the formation of a new Tunisian government. The news was confirmed as Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali held key meetings with several Arab and foreign ambassadors. Foreign Minister Rafik Abdul Salam told reporters that the meetings addressed the general situation in Tunisia, along with developments expected in the forthcoming reshuffle.
Political observers said that Jebali is keen to mobilise moral and political support on the Arab and global stage, for his new government, which is opposed by ruling Ennahda Movement and Congress for the Republic.
Abdul Salam said that Prime Minister Jebali stressed the importance of national consensus and dialogue between different political parties, in order to serve the national interest.
Egyptian envoy Mouchrifa revealed that PM Kandil had postponed his visit to Tunisia because of the tense political situation in the country. He expressed hope that Tunisia would be able to overcome its current crisis and work with Egypt in the future.
Moroccan Ambassador in Tunisia, Najib Zerouali said that the meeting gave them a chance to recognise Jebali's initiative to form a new government, and the position of various parties. He stressed the continuous support of King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan government and Moroccan people with Tunisia in any future decisions.
Earlier on Friday, Hamadi Jebali met Special Representative of the European Union in charge of Southern Mediterranean region Bernardino Leon, who said that he was visiting Tunisia to express the EU's willingness in helping the country's push towards "political stability and successful democratic transition."
The European envoy revealed that he has been following the efforts of Jebali to form a new government with non-partisan figures.
Jebali and Abdul Salam also held talks with US official in-charge of monitoring democratisation in Arab Spring countries, William Tyler, and US Ambassador in Tunis Jacob Walles.
After the meeting, Salam confirmed that the American officials had stressed the United States' support for the democratic transition in Tunisia, and its commitment to making it a success.
Jacob Walles said the US has "great confidence" in the wisdom of Tunisian people, and that will help them pass to safety. He added that Tunisia's success would be a success for democratic transition in the Arab spring.
Prime Minister Jebali renewed his commitment to the formation of a government of "technocrats," unattached to political parties and under an obligation not run in the next election, despite opposition from his own party.