TUNIS — Tunisia’s ruling Islamists began talks with secular opponents on Saturday under a deal that calls for their government to step down and prepare elections to end months of political deadlock.The North African country, where an uprising two years ago began the "Arab Spring" revolts, has been in crisis since the July assassination of an opposition leader triggered street protests demanding the government’s resignation.Tunisia’s path to democracy has been relatively peaceful compared to those of its neighbours, Egypt, whose army ousted an elected Islamist president, and Libya, where a weak government is struggling to tame rival militias.The talks are still delicate, but moderate Islamist party Ennahda has agreed the government will step down at the end of three weeks of talks to decide on a temporary caretaker administration and set a date for presidential and parliamentary elections.Leaders from Ennahda and an alliance of opposition parties signed a formal agreement on negotiat...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.