Ousted Tunisian President Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali has landed in Sardinia, according to Italian authorities.

Earlier rumours were that he was on his way to Malta but the Maltese Foreign Ministry said that it had not received requestsfor him to come to Malta. In a statement issued through the Department of Information, the government said the Tunisian President - who quit the country after days of rioting - is not in Malta.

Foreign media, including the BBC had said that Mr Ben Ali could be heading for Malta.

Sky later reported that Mr Ben Ali was in France but AFP said he had not asked for asylum in France and Paris would consult Tunisia's "constitutional authorities" if he does.

Indications were that France would be unwilling to provide its former ally with a bolthole.

Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi has taken over in Tunis and called on the country to unite.

A state of emergency has been declared.

The protests over the past few stays, which stemmed from corruption, unemployment and rising prices, have seen some 25 people killed.

Tunisian air space has been closed.

The Maltese foreign ministry issued a warning against travel to Tunisia yesterday. The UK today evacuated hundreds of British tourists from the country.

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