Economic recovery depends on political consensus, Jebali

The meeting brought together the Governor of the Central Bank of Tunisia, the Ministers of Finance, Investment and International Co-operation and the Minister in charge of Economic and Social Issues,They focused on the economic and social situation in the country and Mr Jebali said that the IMF were not demanding any additonal measures to tackle the economy other than the continuing govrernment action.

He noted that many partieshad contributed to the negative image of Tunisia and exacerbated its deteriorating economic situation saying that tourismand investment had ben particularly affected.

 Mr. Ridha Saidi, Minister in charge of Economic and Social Issues said that "the year 2012 was marked by an economic recovery interrupted by political differences and that some sectors recovered in 2012, despite the social tension recorded in that period, he noted. He added that the rate of unemployment reached 16.7% in 2012 against 18.9% in 2011and a growth rate of 4.5% is expected in 2013.

Moody's,  downgraded Tunisia's debt rating on Thursday   to "Ba1" from "Baa3," citing the country's grave political crisis and its deteriorating credit fundamentals.

Interim President  Moncef Marzouki has extended the state of emergency for a further three months according to TAP.