The leaders of Tunisia's political parties could announce the creation of the country's national unity government on Monday, Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi has said.
"All the sides we are in talks with have shown a rather high level of cooperation so that we will be able to announce soon or possibly tomorrow the formation of the national unity government," Ghannouchi told the state television.
He said the new government will immediately take the responsibilities to restore order following the deadly protests in the North African country and carry out the reforms to improve the life of the Tunisian people.
The prime minister said "there will be no mercy for those who try to ruin the country's security," adding that police have detained a large number of gang members who attempted to disturb public order.
Tunisia plunged into chaos in mid-December, when thousands of people took to the streets to protest the state's economic policies. So far, more than 70 people have been killed and hundreds have been hurt in the riots.
Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled his country after anti-government protests, dubbed the Jasmine Revolution, turned violent on Friday. Tunisian Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi then took over as Tunisia's interim leader.
However, following the protests against the country's new leader Tunisia's Constitutional Council on Saturday declared parliament speaker Foued Mebazaa as the country's new interim president. The council called for early presidential elections in 60 days.
CAIRO, January 16 (RIA Novosti)
