Italy pushing IMF to help Tunisia and avoid instability, minister says

FILE PHOTO: Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani attends a European Union foreign ministers meeting, in Brussels, Belgium February 20, 2023. REUTERS/Johanna Geron/File Photo

ROME (Reuters) - Italy wants the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to unblock a $1.9 billion loan to Tunisia, fearful that without the cash, the country will be destabilised, unleashing a new wave of migrants towards Europe, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said.

Tunisia's bailout talks with the IMF have been stalled for months, with the United States, amongst others, demanding far-reaching reforms from President Kais Saied to free up the cash.