Tunisians call for their president's resignation

Thousands of demonstrators are staging an unprecedented protest in central Tunis, calling on President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali to quit immediately, BBC News reported.

Between 6,000 and 7,000 people joined a demonstration outside the interior ministry.

On Thursday night, Mr Ben Ali - who has governed Tunisia since 1987 - announced he would stand down in 2014.

His speech came after weeks of protests that have left at least 23 dead.

Security forces have reportedly surrounded protesters there but have not intervened.

Ben Ali pledged to take action on food prices and end internet censorship.

Human rights groups say more than 60 people have died in weeks of unrest across the country, as security forces cracked down on protests over corruption, unemployment and high food prices.

The demonstrators have called on Mr Ben Ali to go, saying Tunisia cannot have true democracy while he remains in charge.
Trade unions have called on people to observe a general strike on Friday.

Protests are also reported to be taking place in other cities, including Sidi Bouzid, where the protests began four weeks ago.