Tunisian premier resigns amid protests to prevent violence
By Ria Novosti
Tunisian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi announced his resignation on Sunday amid mass anti-government protests in an effort to prevent further violence, local media said.
“I decided to resign my position as prime minister,” Ghannouchi was quoted by Ennahar as saying.
Ghannouchi, who has led the country’s interim government for just over six weeks, has been replaced by Beji Caid Sebsi, a former foreign minister.
Another wave of mass anti-government protests hit Tunisia on Saturday. At least five people died in the clashes with police.
The protests swept Tunisia in mid-December, forcing President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who had ruled the North African country for 23 years, to flee to Saudi Arabia.
The December riots in Tunisia ignited a wave of anti-government protests throughout the Arab world.
