13 January, 2011The IMF expresses its solidarity to the workers and the population of Tunisia who are asking for respect of fundamental democratic rights, first of all freedom of expression, and for concrete measures to create jobs and ensure a future of development and dignity to the country.
TUNISIA: Thousands of young people, working women and men are joining in a spontaneous movement in the streets of all towns of Tunisia. Police repression has caused casualties whose number, like that of the injured, is growing at a frightening pace.
The metalworkers of FGME-UGTT together with the entire trade union movement of Tunisia, have asked for an immediate end to the repression. They've asked for more freedom and democracy, for the liberation of imprisoned protesters and a transparent investigation on the police use of fire arms, and for a bona fide dialogue on concrete measures to create jobs and to combat poverty and inequalities.
Appeals to strike have been launched by the FGME together with UGTT in many regions.
The Tunisian Government announced the release of all imprisoned protesters and a new Minister of Interiors, but at the same time sent the National Guard with tear gas against the many spontaneous demonstrations.
"In Tunisia workers are asking for decent work and the respect of fundamental rights. The aspiration to development and a transparent democracy of the population cannot be repressed by police measures," said IMF General Secretary Jyrki Raina.
"Together with all the global unions the IMF will continue supporting the legitimate demands of FGME-UGTT and all Tunisian workers and their struggle for democracy," added Raina.