国际英语新闻：Tunisian president appoints new interior minister

TUNIS, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali appointed on Monday Ahmed Friaa as new interior and local development minister in replacement of Rafik Belhadj Kacem, the Tunisian Official press agency TAP reported Wednesday.

Most prisoners detained during the deadly clashes are being released, Tunisian Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi said Wednesday following his meeting with the country's senior officials.

Ghannouchi also announced the setting up of an enquiry commission regarding offenses committed during the clashes and a second enquiry commission in charge of examining corruption cases and the errors made by some officials.

A picture taken on October 26, 2009 shows Tunisian Interior Minister Rafik Haj Kacem during a press conference in Tunis. Rafik Belhaj Kacem has been sacked, Tunisian Prime Minister Mohamed Ghanouchi announced during a press conference on January 12, 2011.

He also called on the parliament to begin implementation of the measures announced by the president on Monday, including the boosting of employment, the creation of sources of income, and regional development.

The decisions come following weeks of unrest which plagued the North African country and which according to official reports have caused the death of 21 people in southern and western regions.