Tunis — The Presidency of the Republic hails in a communiqué released on Wednesday the decision of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) to cancel the general strike that was scheduled for Thursday, describing this decision as "positive and wise" and saying it is an important step towards stability and establishment of relations of co-operation and partnership between the workers' organisation and the Government.

The Presidency of the National Constituent Assembly (NCA) also made public a statement in which it expresses satisfaction at UGTT decision which it describes as " courageous " and testifying to patriotism and care to have reason and dialogue prevail.

It also calls for reinforcing ties of solidarity and mutual aid in this delicate situation and for having reason prevail for the benefit of social peace.

Interior Minister Ali Larayedh also said, in a statement, that the agreement signed Thursday between the labour union and the Government "does credit to post-Revolution Tunisia" since it results from "negotiations that led, in the end, to a series of decisions serving the country's higher interests."