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Sunday, Feb 27, 2011 3:54 PM UTC

Tunisian prime minister announces resignation

Interim leader steps down amid renewed violence more than month after Jasmine Revolution ousted former president

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Topics: Tunisia, Africa,

Tunisian prime minister announces resignationTunisian demonstrators pray near the Prime Minister's office as they stage a protest calling for the resignation of Tunisia's Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi in Tunis, Friday, Feb. 25, 2011. (AP Photo/Salah Habibi) (Credit: AP)

Tunisian Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi said Sunday he will resign, amid renewed violence during protests in this North African country.

Ghannouchi, 69, has been a major irritant to Tunisians behind the so-called “Jasmine Revolution” — weeks of public upheaval that drove longtime autocratic President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali from power last month.

Even though Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia on Jan. 14, Ghannouchi — who served for 11 years as his prime minister — had promised to stay on to guide the country until elections this summer.

Ghannouchi’s announcement on state TV and radio came a day after officials said at least four people had died in recent days in the capital during clashes between stone-throwing protesters and police.

More Associated Press.

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