2011-01-24 Tunisia today: "It’s not a unity government, it’s a fake unity government”

Events in Tunisia continue to develop quickly. Protesters from rural areas streamed into the capital overnight, defying a curfew, to protest the continued presence of remnants of the Ben-Ali regime. Here is a round-up of today's events in Tunisia.

Al Jazeera:

Talks underway for new Tunisia govt - Politicians said to be meeting to negotiate the creation of a committe of "wise men" to replace current government.

Tunisian politicians are reportedly negotiating the creation of a committee of "wise men" to replace the interim government and "protect the revolution".

Sources have told the Reuters news agency on Monday that the committee could include respected opposition politician Ahmed Mestiri. The comments echo that of the country's army chief, Rachid Ammar, who also vowed to "defend the revolution" that ousted former president Zine El Abedine Ben Ali, but warned of a "power vacuum" that may result if a solution to the subsequent political crisis is not found. [Source]

The Guardian (Video):

Tunisian protesters defy curfew - Police cordon off Kasbah area of Tunis after night of demonstrations outside Mohamed Ghannouchi's compound [Video] [Source]

Christian Science Monitor:

Tunisia's opposition defends unity government as pressure mounts
Tunisia's opposition leaders appear to have miscalculated by rushing into a unity government that many people will not accept, as protests Monday demonstrated that public anger has not subsided ... Exiles and protesters from Tunisia's interior, where the revolution began, have converged on the capital, adding significant pressure on the week-old government. ...“It’s not a unity government, it’s a fake unity government,” says Moncef Marzouki [Source]

TheWest.com.au:

Tunisia plans panel to oversee government - sources
TUNIS (Reuters) - A cabinet reshuffle is also expected within the next few days to fill ministries vacated by a slew of resignations, though this could include changes to other portfolios, Education Minister Tayeb Baccouche said. ...
In Tunis Monday, police and army blocked off around 500 protesters who were inside the government compound in the old city, or casbah. Around 1,000 other demonstrators filled the streets and a large square nearby, unable to approach the area. "Are they afraid the government will really be shaken? It seems that Ben Ali's regime is back," said Kamal Ashour, from Tunis. The teachers' union called a strike Monday, when primary schools were to reopen as part of moves to bring the country back to normal. But the level of support was not clear. [Source]

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