All RCD ministers in Tunisia quit party

TUNIS // All the ministers in Tunisia's transitional government who were members of toppled president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's party have quit, an official who did not want to be identified said on Thursday.

"All the ministers of the RCD (Constitutional Democratic Rally) have resigned from the party," the source said.

The Tunisian Press Agency also announced that the RCD ministers had "quit their responsibilities in the heart of the party", as interim president Foued Mebazaa and interim prime minister Mohammed Ghannouchi did on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, 33 of Mr Ben Ali's relatives have been arrested in recent days, state television reported.

Television pictures showed footage of watches, jewellery and international credit cards seized during raids on the family members' properties.

Mr Ben Ali fled the country for Saudi Arabia Friday following weeks of unrest.

On Wednesday, officials opened an investigation against the former president and his family for having allegedly plundered the country's resources.

The charges include illegal property acquisitions and currency transfers. Those targeted included Mr Ben Ali, his wife Leila Trabelsi, her brothers and sons and their children.

* Agence France-Presse