"Turkey unemployment figures for 2009 lower than expected"

Speaking at a meeting on private pension system, Turkish State Minister & Deputy Premier Ali Babacan said that unemployment rates might change from one season to another, and therefore, they should be assessed regardless of seasonal factors.

Babacan said there had been a decline in unemployment figures starting from the last quarter of 2009.

"We had an average estimation of 14.8 percent in our medium-term program. However, when we look at the rates in October, November, December and January, we see that things are going better than we expected. Therefore, the average rate for 2009 will be a lower figure," Babacan said.

Turkey's unemployment rate increased 0.5 percent to 13.1 percent in November 2009, Turkish Board of Statistics (TUIK) announced on Monday.

Unemployment rate was 13 percent in October 2009. 

/World Bulletin/