In Tunisia, security has been stepped up in centre of the capital Tunis, a day after President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali was forced to flee the country after street protests. Hundreds of troops are patrolling Tunis and a state of emergency is in force. Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi who has taken over as interim President has said his priority is restoring order. Ghannouchi said he would hold talks with opposition groups to try to form a unity government. Witnesses say, there were scenes of looting overnight in several areas. The streets are largely deserted. The main thoroughfare in Tunis, Avenue Bourguiba, was blocked off by troops after the lifting of an overnight curfew. However Tunis Carthage International Airport, which was closed amid yesterday's unrest, re-opened today. Hundreds of tourists and other foreigners have been trapped there. Reports say, people are now waiting for some indication that the interim administration is prepared to bring in widespread economic and political changes. Earlier, President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali fled with his family to Saudi Arabia following protests against him. The 74-year-old leader conceded power after massive protests over unemployment and high food prices and growing unrest left at least 23 people dead. Ben Ali, who had been in power for 23 years, boarded a plane with his family amid widespread speculation about his destination. The French government rejected a request for his plane to land in the country. It refuelled on the Italian island of Sardinia and later landed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A Saudi Palace statement today confirmed that the Tunisian President Ben Ali and his family have arrived in the Kingdom. The statement said that out of concern for the exceptional circumstances facing the brotherly Tunisian people and in support of the security and stability of their country, the Saudi government has welcomed President Zine Al Abidine Bin Ali and his family to the kingdom.