Tunisian President leaves country

The Tunisian President has reportedly left the country.

The Tunisian Prime Minister said President Ben Ali is "unable to exercise his duties".

The PM has now taken over power after a state of emergency was declared and the government was dissolved.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has warned against travelling to the country.

Nearly two thousand tourists are being evacuated from the north African country.

It follows violent clashes over spiraling unemployment and political unrest.

The military there has also surrounded the airport on the outskirts of the capital.

Meanwhile, Air France has temporarily suspended flights to the city of Tunis where 12 people have been killed.

Protestors are angry about corruption, unemployment and high food prices.