Tunisian Interior
Ministry announced curfew in Grand Tunis region starting from 8:00 p.m.
(1900 GMT) Wednesday to 5:30 a.m. (0430 GMT) Thursday following unrest
spread to the capital on Wednesday.

Protesters clash with riot police in Cite Ettadhamen near the Tunisian capital Tunis January 12, 2011. (Xinhua/Reuters)

The move came after violent protests in several districts
of the capital, with riot police firing tear gas against demonstrators.

Army tanks and troops have been deployed in central Tunis
on Wednesday in the wake of fresh clashes between protestors and police in
spite of the dismissing of Interior Minister Rafik Belhadj Kacem hours
earlier. It is the first time in years that armored personnel trucks and light
tanks were seen in the capital.

At a press conference Wednesday morning, Tunisian Prime
Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi said the army had been deployed in certain parts
of the country to protect official buildings from arson and looting, adding
that security must be restored if investments are to continue.

The north African country has witnessed clashes between
security forces and protestors for more than three weeks. The protestors said
they are angry about soaring cooking and fuel prices and high unemployment rates.

On Monday, Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali
pledged 300,000 job opportunities especially for university graduates who have
been unemployed for more than two years.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet