Discussions are continuing on the size of any loan the Washington-based lender may provide, Kooli told Bloomberg. IMF officials have responded positively to reforms proposed by Tunisia, describing them as “realistic” and “applicable,” he said, without giving specifics on the steps envisaged. Tunisia is discussing phasing out subsidies and trimming the public wage bill, according to a document obtained by Bloomberg. Tunisia is considering the gradual removal of subsidies on food, electricity and natural gas by 2024, replacing them with direct cash transfers for the neediest, according to the confidential document written by the government and central bank. This document includes recommendations from lawmakers, the largest trade union, business leaders and civil society.
DUBAI: Iran’s Quds Force commander Hassan Erlo is acting as de facto ruler of areas controlled by the Houthi militia, a senior Yemeni official was cited by state news agency SABA. Erlo’s movements are highlighted through the Houthis’ media outfit, confirm that he is acting as a leader, Muammar Al-Eryani, Yemen’s minister of information, culture and tourism, said on Wednesday.
RIYADH: The Saudi Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf) said that the regulation on job-seeking subsidy, which was approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday, will increase the efficiency of capacity-building and training offered by Hadaf to job seekers, along with their readiness to enter the market. Hadaf noted that the new regulation aims to support and motivate job seekers,
IZMIR: Activists have called the Turkish government’s decision to deport Syrian refugee Munip Ali for comments made on Twitter “unlawful,” saying his tweets were in line with freedom of speech laws.
Ali, who has been living in Turkey since 2013, was accused of “provoking the public to hatred and animosity.” His lawyer, Meral Kaban, told Arab News, “There is no evidence that he was provoking the public or inciting hatred. (His comments) are completely in line with the freedom of expression. But the provincial governorate issued a deportation decision and (moved him to) a removal center.”
On May 3, Ali shared footage of police using tear gas against members of the Furkan Foundation an Islamist body that has been critical of the government who were praying at a mosque in the southeastern province of Gaziantep.