Bin Ali vows to eliminate unemployment

Tunisian President Zein al-Abidin Bin Ali, a candidate for a third presidential term of office, has expressed his determination to "eliminate unemployment, ultimately by the year 2004."

In a statement to the Saudi daily Okaz issued on Wednesday, the Tunisian President added, "We will work to complete sustainable comprehensive development to ensure balance among all sides in a way to improve citizens' living conditions."

He continued, "We will shortly announce that establishment of a fund he called 21-21 with the objective to ultimately overcome unemployment in Tunisia by the year 2004." He stressed continued exerted efforts to eliminate poverty.

The unemployment rate in Tunisia is estimated at 15.6%. Economic sources said this rate may exceed 19% if taking into consideration the 3.3 million persons who are of working age.

Tunisia's population is estimated at 9.5 million. The Tunisian president described relations between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia as "excellent."