Tunisia’s Islamist party agrees to opposition demands

Rachid Ghannouchi, chairman of Islamist Ennahda party A leading member of Tunisia’s ruling Islamist party, Ennahda, told Arab Today on Thursday that a meeting with the General Labour Union (UGTT), and party leader Rachid Ghannouch i had gone well, with both groups having reached a resolution to end a month-long political deadlock.
Riad al-Chebeio said Ghannouchi accepted demands for the government’s resignation and the formation of a neutral cabinet, which UGTT leader Houcine Abassi said was, “a starting point for national dialogue".
He added that the interim government “would keep the door open” for further political dialogue, and would dissolve the government once it had formulated the country’s new draft constitution, under the National Constituent Assembly.
Ennahda officials said they were waiting for an agreement from the opposition, headed by opposition leader, Beji Caid el Sebsi on all the conditions which were discussed, adding that the party was aware of the political divisions within the opposition parties.
The leftist wing of the National Salvation Front accused Ennahda of trying to divide the opposition movement.
The UGTT leader began mediating the political crisis following the assassination of opposition politician, Mohamed Brahmi on July 25, who was shot dead outside his home.
Sami al-Tahri, a member of the union told Arab Today that he will work hard to convince the opposition of what was agreed upon, which was considered as a positive sign to end the crisis in Tunisia.