News In Brief

Cabinet minister dismissed after riots in Tunisia

President Habib Bourguiba dismissed Interior Minister Idris Guiga and asked his heir apparent, Prime Minister Mohammed M'Zali, to add the Interior Ministry portfolio to his present responsibilities, government officials said Saturday.

The dismissal followed national rejoicing over Bourguiba's televised announcement Friday of the cancellation of increases in the price of food which spawned riots that officials say killed about 70 people and injured hundreds. Everyone arrested in the riots would be released, except those accused of theft, plunder and vandalism, he said.

A state of emergency remained in force Sunday, though curfew was relaxed somewhat.