Tunisia on Lock Down as President Flees

News Carma Hassan Jan 14, 2011 | 12:59 PM

''Considering the fact that at the current time he (Ben Ali) cannot fulfill his duties, I take over today, the powers of the president of the republic,'' Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi said.

Tunisia’s president has reportedly declared a state of emergency, dissolved the government, and fled the country, according to the North African country’s state television.

A palace statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said that ''the Saudi government has welcomed President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and his family to the kingdom...out of concern for the exceptional circumstances facing the brotherly Tunisian people and in support of the security and stability of their country.''

Riots have wracked the nation daily since Dec. 17, with CNN reporting 21 people dying in the protests.

The country is currently on lock down, with people banned from being on the streets between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. Earlier Friday, CNN says police were seen beating protesters with batons and firing tear gas.

Tunisia's prime minister announced on state television Friday that he is now the country’s interim president.

''Considering the fact that at the current time he (Ben Ali) cannot fulfill his duties, I take over today, the powers of the president of the republic,'' Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi said. 

Ghannouchi pledged to uphold the promises Ben Ali made Thursday, to ''cut prices of basic foodstuffs, to lift censorship and to ensure police do not use live ammunition except in self-defense,'' CNN reported.  Ben Ali had also previously called for parliamentary elections in six months.

Countries around the world say they are monitoring the unrest in Tunisia, with the US State Department issuing a security alert for travelers and UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon recommending caution.

''The political situation is developing fast and every effort must be made by all concerned parties to establish dialogue and resolve problems peacefully to prevent further loss, violence and escalations,'' Ban Ki-moon told Al  Jazeera English.

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