PM replaces Tunisia president

Tunisia's long-standing president has left the country amid violent protests and the prime minister has taken over control of the government. "Since the president [Zine El Abidine Ben Ali] is temporarily unable to exercise his duties, it has been decided that the prime minister will exercise temporarily the [presidential] duties," Mohammed Ghannouchi, the Tunisian prime minister, said on state television. Ghannouchi is now the interim president. He cited chapter 56 of the Tunisian constitution as the article by which he was assuming power. Tensions remain high despite Ben Ali's exit, with protesters reported to be ransacking government buildings in the capital, Tunis, and other cities. Citizens have made appeals for protection of their property, as several provinces are currently reporting unrest. Protesters are reportedly demanding that the new interim president, a close Ben Ali ally, stand down. There are conflicting reports regarding where Ben Ali is headed. While Maltese air traffic controllers said that he is on his way to Paris via Malta, other sources have indicated that he may be seeking sanctuary in one of the Gulf countries.