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Tunisian PM Announces Resignation

Mohamed Ghannouchi was close to former government

By the Associated Press

Posted Feb 27, 2011 9:28 AM CST

(AP) – Tunisian Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi has announced his resignation today on state television after a renewed outbreak of street violence in the North African country in the past few days. 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 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.

In this Jan. 12, 2011 file photo Tunisian Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi, who announced his resignation Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011 after a renewed outbreak of street violence. (AP Photo/Hassene Dridi, File)

In this Monday Jan. 17, 2011 file photo Tunisian PM Mohamed Ghannouchi announces a national unity government. Ghannouchi announced his resignation Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011. (AP Photo/Hassene Dridi, file)

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Tunisian PM Announces Resignation

Mohamed Ghannouchi was close to former government

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