- Title: TUNISIA: Police chiefs salute the people in biggest demonstration yet
- Date: 23rd January 2011
- Summary: TUNIS, TUNISIA (JANUARY 22, 2011) (REUTERS) PROTESTER SHOUTING ON TOP OF A VAN AND MASS OF PROTESTERS BELOW IN BOURGHIBA AVENUE NATIONAL GUARD IN FULL UNIFORM SALUTING THE PEOPLE ON TOP OF VAN NATIONAL GUARD TAKING THE TUNISIAN FLAG PEOPLE CHEERING POLICE KISSING THE TUNISIAN FLAG ANOTHER POLICEMAN KISSING FLAG FIREFIGHTERS TRUCK FIREFIGHTERS PROTESTING ON TOP OF T
- Embargoed: 7th February 2011 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Tunisia, Tunisia
- Country: Tunisia
- Topics: Domestic Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA4XAFQ4UMLNCJ0UYRJW9EDYU8P
- Story Text: People in the Tunisian capital of Tunis on Saturday (January 22) responded to the interim prime minister's declaration that he won't leave until after the elections with the biggest demonstration since the president was ousted last week.
Police, who broke ranks on Friday (January 21) to join the protesters' cause, came out in force on Avenue Bourghiba, the street where they had fired tear gas at the protesters just a few days ago.
One national guard in full uniform saluted the people as others kissed the Tunisian flag.
Firefighters joined in the protests and all sections of Tunisia's public and security services were on the streets with the demonstrators.
Tunisia's interim Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi promised to quit politics after elections. His pledge was intended to appease the protesters demanding remnants of the old guard leave a unity coalition formed after the overthrow of the president.
Ghannouchi, who until a week ago was premier under ousted strongman Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, hosted cabinet-level meetings on Saturday morning at his office.
Former leaders of Ben Ali's ruling party, the RCD, have retained high profile ministries such as interior and foreign affairs in Ghannouchi's makeshift unity coalition. Dissident politicians were brought into government with less influential posts such as higher education and regional development.
Five ministers have already quit the interim government, including one opponent of Ben Ali and three representatives of Tunisia's big trade union, a key player in the revolt. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: None