Tunisia unveils new government

Riot-torn Tunisia’s interim leaders today announced a new national unity government following the overthrow of president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali amid massive street protests.

Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi, a longtime ally of Ben Ali, and several top ministers retained their posts in the shake-up and at least one top opposition leader was expected to join the government.

The move came amid continued unrest in the country after Ben Ali fled on Friday - 23 years after he first took power.

Mr Ghannouchi, who has been premier since 1999 and has kept his post throughout the upheaval, said the current ministers of defence, interior and foreign affairs would keep their posts.

Three opposition figures, including Nejib Chebbi, a founder of the opposition PDP party, will take up posts in the government.

Many opponents of Ben Ali’s rule have taken to the streets to demand the new government not include of any remnants of his iron-fisted regime.

Earlier security forces fired tear gas to repel angry demonstrators ahead of the announcement of the new government. Some protesters demanded Ben Ali’s former cronies be locked out.