Tunisia's interim PM resigns amid protests

Tunisia's Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi resigned on Sunday, as security forces clashed with protesters demanding changes to the country's interim government. Ghannouchi denied that he was running away from his responsibilities, but said that he was not willing to take decisions that would end up causing casualties.

Reuters/Zoubier Souissi

"This resignation will serve Tunisia, the revolution and the future of Tunisia," Ghannouchi told a press conference on Sunday afternoon.

His announcement came as police fired tear gas and warning shots in the centre of Tunis, where anti-government protesters were gathered for a third day.

The crowds threw stones and mounted barricades, according to witnesses.

On Saturday, three people were killed and dozens wounded in clashes between protesters and riot police.

The day before, at least 100,000 people took to the streets of the capital, accusing Ghannouchi and his government of "usurping" the revolution that overthrew Zine el Abedine Ben Ali.

Almost 200 people have been arrested for taking part in this weekend's protests.

The Interior Ministry blames the violence on agitators that it accuses of infiltrating peaceful demonstrations and targeting security forces.

The unrest prompted the interim government to announce on Friday that elections would be held by mid-July.