In Tunisia, 13 more protesters killed

Medical sources in Tunisia say 13 more protesters have been shot dead and several others have been wounded in anti-government protests in the capital Tunis.

The demonstrators were shot dead in street protests in and around Tunis on Thursday night.

Medics confirmed to DPA that they had received the bodies after overnight riots in the region.

The deaths come despite President Zine El Abidin Ben Ali’s promise to end the use of live rounds on protesters.

Meanwhile, thousands of protesters have gathered in front of the Interior Ministry and demand President Ben Ali steps down.

Demonstrators are infuriated by the killing of their countrymen in clashes with the police.

Security forces are reportedly monitoring the situation in Tunis.

The president, meanwhile, has announced that he will not step down until the end of his in office following a month of deadly protests across the nation. He, however, has vowed not to seek re-election.

Foreign Minister Kamel Morjane has said the president is preparing for the parliamentary elections before 2014 presidential vote.

The protesters oppose the country’s political system and call for broad reforms and changes in the governing body.

Experts say Ben Ali’s era has been marred by repeated human rights violations and torture.

The opposition and rights groups say scores of people have been killed in clashes with police since the start of the unrest last month.