Day: August 16, 2018

Tunisia’s foreign currency reserves drop to record lows

BGMN

The Central Bank said reserves stood at the equivalent of 70 days of imports — the lowest level in more than 25 years. Tunisia’s foreign currency reserves plunged to their lowest level in more than 25 years, even as the country secured loans and aid pledges from international lenders, increased farming exports and entered a promising tourism season. The contrast raised alarms about the country’s economic malaise, underscored by a weakened currency and higher import bills for oil and wheat. Tunisia’s Central Bank said foreign currency reserves on August 7…

Algerian army launches massive military operation on border with Tunisia

BGMN

There were significant military movements and reinforcements following suspicions of the infiltration of a terrorist group into the Algerian territory today. Activity focused on The border between Tunisia and Algeria, and in particular the governorates of El-Tarf, Souk Ahras, Tébessa and the El-Oued. According to the Algerian news website, El-Bilad, some members of the Algerian army are currently hunting down elements, whom they believe to have infiltrated from Kef Governorate after the air force has detected suspicious movements. The military units also reinforced their presence in the area in search of…

Tory MPs complain over peer’s Tunisia trip

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Three Tory MPs have lodged a complaint against party colleague Lord Sheikh over his attendance at a conference on Palestinian rights in Tunisia in 2014. Lord Sheikh confirmed he was at the event, as Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn faced questions about his participation in a memorial ceremony during the same trip. The Conservative Muslim Forum founder said he did not attend the controversial wreath-laying ceremony. But MPs Zac Goldsmith, Robert Halfon and Andrew Percy want an investigation. No Corbyn apology after wreath criticism The International Conference on Monitoring the Palestinian Political…