国际英语新闻：Tunisian interim government to convene first meeting Thursday

TUNIS, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Tunisian interim government, born on Monday, is expected to convene its first meeting Thursday, amid protests against the make-up of the national unity cabinet, state TV reported Wednesday.

The meeting, to be chaired by caretaker President Fouad Mebazaa, would focus on two issues, namely the release of political prisoners and splitting the state from the ruling RCD party.

The interim president and Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi had announced Tuesday they have quitted the party, which is described by opposition as synonymous with the ousted president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, a move to appease Tunisians' anger with RCD's involvement in the government.

Prime Minister Ghannouchi Monday unveiled a list of an interim government on state TV, with several opposition figures entering cabinet, while RCD members still holding such key positions as foreign, interior and defense ministers.

The cabinet would see Ahmed Ibrahim, leader of the opposition Ettajdid party serve as higher education minister, Mustafa Ben Jaafar, from the Union of Freedom and Labor as health minister, and Najib Chebbie, founder of the Progressive Democratic Part, as head of Local Development Ministry.

However, four ministers withdrew from the government, only one day after it was announced.

Abdesselam Jerad, secretary general of the Tunisian General Labor Union who also got post in the new government, said he would not be sworn in as the formation of the government does not represent the will of the Tunisian people. Mustafa Ben Jaafar later vowed to follow suit.