UN chief concerned over Tunisia violence
AFP
UNITED NATIONS- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called Monday for restraint and full respect for free expression in Tunisia amid spiraling clashes between security forces and demonstrators, his spokesman said.
"The secretary-general is concerned about the escalation of violent clashes between security forces and protesters in Tunisia and the resulting deaths and injuries," said Martin Nesirky, the spokesman.
At least 14 people were killed in an explosion of rioting over the weekend that President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali blamed on "gangs of thugs." The opposition said at least 20 people died.
There were new clashes Monday in the towns of Kasserine, Thala and Regueb, with police using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators while security forces were on alert in the capital.
"The secretary-general calls for restraint and urges all parties to seek to resolve differences through dialogue," Nesirky said. "He underscores the importance of full respect for freedom of expression."
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There were new clashes Monday in the towns of Kasserine, Thala and Regueb, with police using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators while security forces were on alert in the capital.
"The secretary-general calls for restraint and urges all parties to seek to resolve differences through dialogue," Nesirky said. "He underscores the importance of full respect for freedom of expression."
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