New Tunisian cabinet draws mixed response

[Joanne98]

Source: Reuters

TUNIS (Reuters) - Tunisian protesters gave a mixed reception to the country's newly reshuffled cabinet on Thursday, with some saying the continued presence of the prime minister in the government was unacceptable.

The government ditched ministers loyal to ousted president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali on Thursday -- a move which won backing from the powerful labour union and could help defuse protests which have inspired people across the Middle East.

Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi said 12 ministers would be replaced, purging the interim government of members of the former ruling party including the interior, defence and foreign ministers.

Hundreds of protesters were still camped outside the prime minister's office on Friday morning, but opinions on the cabinet reshuffle were divided.



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