Violence-scarred Tunisia announces new government
<p>Protestors cheers a soldier during a demonstration against former Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in the center of Tunis, Monday. Tunisia's interim leaders plan to announce a new government Monday that includes opposition leaders for the first time - a move they hope will stabilize their violence-wracked nation.</p>
TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) - Tunisia took a step toward democracy and reconciliation Monday, promising to free political prisoners and opening its government to opposition forces long shut out of power - but the old guard held onto the key posts, angering protesters.
Demonstrators carrying signs reading "GET OUT! demanded that the former ruling party be banished altogether - a sign more troubles lie ahead for the new unity government as security forces struggle to contain violent reprisals, shootings and looting three days after the country's longtime president fled under pressure from the streets.
"We're afraid that the president has left, but the powers-that-be remain," said Hylel Belhassen, a 51-year-old insurance salesman. Even before the new government was announced Monday, security forces fired tear gas to repel demonstrators who see the change of power as Tunisia's first real chance at democracy.
President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled Friday to Saudi Arabia after a month of protests over unemployment and corruption led to his downfall after 23 years in power. The government announced Monday that 78 civilians have died in the month of unrest - an announcement that underlined the depth of the violence in the usually placid Mediterranean tourist destination.
Under autocratic Ben Ali, Tunisia was effectively under one-party rule. The new government named Monday includes three ministers from the opposition - a first in Tunisia - but members of Ben Ali's RCD party held on to most of the jobs, including the most important posts.
Security forces have gotten an image makeover in the public mind. The once-feared police have been fighting snipers and armed groups widely believed to be Ben Ali loyalists.
Nearby nations, meanwhile, faced a wave of self-immolation attempts Monday, apparently influenced by the desperate Tunisian man who set himself on fire a month ago, sparking the protests that brought his president down.