Tunisian Protesters Continue Anti-Government Rally
VOA News 25 January 2011
Hundreds of protesters in Tunisia have gathered outside the prime minister's office, continuing a push to force Cabinet members linked to deposed President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to leave the government.
The rally Tuesday in the capital, Tunis, comes a day after police fired tear gas to break up similar anti-government demonstrations at the site.
On Monday, Tunisian officials said they are negotiating the formation of a supervisory council to oversee the country's interim government in an effort to appease the protesters.
Sources involved in the discussions said the proposed council would issue an electoral code and hold elections for a new parliament that would rewrite the constitution.
The sources say the oversight body would include Tunisia's powerful labor union, the bar association, civil groups and political parties - including the country's largest Islamist group, Al Nahda, which was banned under Mr. Ben Ali.
A Cabinet reshuffle also is expected within the next few days to fill ministries vacated by a slew of resignations. Five ministers have stepped down since the interim Cabinet was announced last week, including three labor union representatives and one opposition leader.
Earlier, Tunisia's army chief warned that a "power vacuum" could bring back the dictatorship, as pressure continues to mount on the interim government.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.
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