Tunisia’s Ben Ali to Quit in 2014 as Riots Persist

Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali said he won’t stand for re-election in 2014 and pledged to cut prices of staple foods, as he seeks to defuse the worst unrest in his 23 years leading the North African country.

“No presidency for life,” Ben Ali, 74, said in a televised speech from the capital, Tunis, which is under curfew for a second night as anti-government protests escalate. The president said the prices of bread, milk and sugar will be reduced, promised to allow full freedom for media and the Internet, and ordered security forces to stop using live ammunition except in self-defense after at least 23 people were killed in clashes between demonstrators and security forces.