Tunisia's new PM takes over officially

Ali Larayedh has officially taken over as Tunisia's new prime minister succeeding Hamadi Jebali at an office-taking ceremony on Thursday. Addressing the ceremony, Jebali drew "important lessons" of "this moment" which, he said, "establishes traditions of power alternation." Though it will serve for a short period of time, the new government is called, according to him, to meet "great challenges for a better future of the country." "There are some who expect failure, but history will judge this government by its performance," he indicated. On his part, Ali Larayedh stated that the government "will strive to address emergency issues at this stage, starting from the establishment of security, economic development and well-being of citizens," not to mention the protection of public freedoms for all the Tunisians."