TUNIS, Tunisia, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- The political situation in Tunisia is "evolving quickly," a British official said, as leaders reached a deal to form a new unity government Monday.
Tunisian Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi announced Friday he was serving as the interim president because "the president is temporarily unable to exercise his duties."
His statement came as long-term President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali fled political violence in Tunisia for Saudi Arabia.
Christopher O'Connor, the British envoy to Tunisia, said in a statement Monday that events in the country were shocking.
"The political situation is evolving quickly," he said. "No one can be sure how things will develop but we continue to call on all sides to avoid violence and work constructively to restore calm to the country."
His message came as Tunisian officials reportedly reached a deal to form a new national unity government. Several ministers, including defense and interior, are expected to be retained in the new government, the BBC reports.
Anti-governments protesters have called on their leaders to break from the policies of Ben Ali and make quick reforms to address concerns over corruption and high unemployment.
The BBC said the latest announcement from Tunis might not be enough to satisfy protesters who were driven back Monday by security officials using water cannons and tear gas.
