BBC News with David Legge

The Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has been forced from power after a month of protests over unemployment and high food prices. The announcement was made on state TV by the Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi, who said he was now assuming power. He said that Mr Ben Ali was temporarily unable to exercise his duties.

"And I promise throughout the period in which I assume this responsibility to respect the law and to carry out the political, economic and social reforms that have been announced."