Another minister steps down in Tunisia

TUNIS, Tunisia - Another minister in Tunisia's caretaker government has resigned, a day after the prime minister bowed out following a wave of deadly protests.

Industry and Technology Minister Afif Chelbi presented his resignation Monday. Mohamed Ghannouchi quit Sunday after 11 years as prime minister.

Outside parliament, youth joined large police patrols to help keep the peace in Tunisia's tense capital after a weekend of protests and clashes with riot police left at least five people dead, opposition leaders said.

Gunfire erupted in Tunis' Casbah Sqaure Monday, reports CBS News correspondent Alan Pizzey, although the shots were apparently fired in the air as army troops moved in and seized a protester who others said may have had a knife.

Ghannouchi had survived for more than a month despite long-standing ties to Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the autocratic leader pushed into exile Jan. 14 as demonstrations swept the nation. He is succeeded by Beji Caid Essebsi, 84-years old, who held numerous posts under founding president, Habib Bourghiba, ousted in a palace coup in 1987 by Ben Ali.

Pizzey reports that the protesters have vowed to remain in Casbah Square until the entire Tunisian government is replaced -- not just Ben Ali. But protesters have also firmly committed to remain peaceful, Pizzey reports and widely believe that the government is paying provocateurs to incite violence in their midst.

The interim government is laying the groundwork for presidential and parliamentary elections expected in about five months.

Interim authorities say "agitators" are trying to derail Tunisia's moves toward democracy after the protests brought down Ben Ali sparked uprisings across the Arab world.