Ben Ali pledges to create 300,000 extra jobs

Tunisian president accuses 'unpardonable terrorist acts by gangs' of being behind unrest.

Middle East Online

'To multiply work opportunities' TUNIS - Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali on Monday slammed "terrorist acts" by hoodlums and pledged to create 300,000 extra jobs in a television address in the wake of deadly unrest. Ben Ali blamed "unpardonable terrorist acts by gangs" after weeks of protests focussed on unemployment escalated at the weekend when security forces opened fire on demonstrators and killed at least 14 people. Tunisia's interior ministry has said its forces had only shot at the crowds "in self defence" and after warnings were given. "Terrorist acts were perpetrated during the night by gangs of hooded thugs," Ben Ali said, as new clashes were reported Monday in three towns. "To those who want to strike a blow to the interests of the country, or manipulate our youth, we say that the law will be applied," Ben Ali said. Ben Ali also announced the creation of 300,000 extra jobs, with unemployment a reason for the rioting. "We have decided to multiply work opportunities and the creation of sources of revenue ... in all sectors during 2011 and 2012," he said. Tunisia's unemployment rate is officially 14 percent, but the percentage of graduates without work is about double that, and has prompted a warning from the International Monetary Fund.