Tunis — Issam Chebbi, Spokesman for the Republican Party (RP) expressed his party's support for Interim Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali's initiative to form a government of technocrats which he described as "positive step."

Through this initiative, Jebali prioritises the national interest over partisan and narrow interests, stressed Issam Chebbi at a press conference held Tuesday at the seat of "Al Mawqif" newspaper.

The RP spokesman stressed the need to reach broad consensus around the government of technocrats, after consultations with different political trends.

The new government should focus on a set of priorities including the fight against terrorism and political violence and neutrality of the administration, in addition to defining a roadmap for the next democratic transition phase which sets the date of elections and completion of the constitution, said Chebbi.

The RP official called on the Ennahdha movement to join the other parties in supporting Jebali's proposal to form a government of technocrats seeing the current situation which does not afford any delay, he said, urging the ruling Troika parties not to miss this historic opportunity to reach consensus around this initiative.

Maya Jeribi, Secretary-General of RP said the political front of five parties, recently set up, has responded favourably to this initiative given the seriousness of the situation which requires dialogue and consultation on all political issues.

She said her party has responded in writing to the Prime Minister's proposal.