Tunisian PM says takes over as caretaker president

Tunisian Prime Minsiter Mohamed Ghannouchi said on Friday he was taking over as president because the incumbent, Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, was temporarily unable to carry out his duties.

"Since the president is temporarily unable to exercise his duties, it has been decided that the prime minister will exercise temporarily the (presidential) duties," Ghannouchi said on state television. (Reuters)