Tunisia unveils new cabinet in bid to end unrest

TUNISIA yesterday unveiled major changes to its interim government in a bid to put an end to daily protests against figures linked to ousted president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali who stayed on in key posts.

Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi, who also served under Ben Ali, said on state television that he would remain but the crucial defence, foreign and interior ministry posts were replaced with new figures.

“This is a temporary government with a clear mission — to allow a transition to democracy. Its mission is to organise elections in which the people will be completely free to choose,” Ghannouchi said in his address.