• Ben Ali has announced that he will step down in 2014. Surprising he admits it - not surprising it's going to happen, as he's already in his mid-70s!
• He claims he has ordered police not to fire live rounds anymore.
• Says he understands the situation requires 'profound, deep, and comprehensive' change.
• Reductions in prices of staple foods have been ordered.
• Believe it when you see it, but he says there will be increased freedom of expression in the media, and 'real' political pluralism.
• Our friends report honking in the streets in Tunis; celebration in Sidi Bou Zid. Early reception to the national address seems to be positive. 1 of our ppl says it's what we would call 'astroturf' - fake grass roots planted by RCD.
• Friends report that YouTube is available for the first time in years; Al-Jazeera also unblocked by the notorious Amman 404.
• These following reports are interesting, vague, and unconfirmed at this time. But now, two hours after Ben Ali's speech, there are still reports of gunfire from around the country.
• Unions have called a general strike for tomorrow, and a protest for 1100 local time in central Tunis. We'll see how the IM & army respond.
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