Tunis — Ettakatol Party Secretary-General Mustapha Ben Jaafar stressed his party's "unconditional support" for the initiative of Interim Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali to form a government of apolitical technocrats.

Speaking to the press at his party's seat on Tuesday, Mr Ben Jaafar said his party placed all its ministers at the disposal of Jebali, saying that their resignation was not on the agenda, to avoid political vacuum.

The success of Jebali's initiative requires support of all parties, first and foremost of Ennahdha movement, he said, adding he was confident in its leaders's wisdom and understanding over the need to prioritise the national interest.

Mr Ben Jaafar also said that Jebali's initiative is the extension of the approach of Ettakatol to the cabinet reshuffle based on neutrality of sovereign ministries, essentially those of justice and foreign affairs and on national experts from parties.

He stressed the need to lead consultations on the new government's line-up to reach consensus and have the needed support for the success of its action and send a reassuring message to the public opinion.

He commended the position of most of the political trends on the legitimacy of the National Constituent Assembly (NCA), stressing the importance of its role in the current stage despite difficulties and challenges.

The situation in the country required a positive shock but Chokri Belaid's assassination has changed things, he said, urging all civil society members to join their efforts and mobilise against violence to protect the democratic transition.

Ben Jaafar called for national conciliation after accountability and consensus around major issues, warning against threats weighing on the country because of the tense situation in the region.