EU commissioner expresses concern over violence in Tunisia

EU commissioner expresses concern over violence in Tunisia

2011-01-11 04:43:06 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- European Union Commissioner Stefan Füle on Monday expressed his concern over the violent events that took place in Tunisia over the weekend, leaving more than a dozen people killed.

In a joint statement with EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, the European officials deplored the violence and fatalities against the civilian society and expressed sympathy to the families of the victims.

The EU also called for the restraint in the use of force after at least 14 people have been killed in the North African country, according to the Tunisian government. Unions also claim that others have been seriously wounded and are in a critical condition.

During the weekend, Tunisia witnessed unrest mainly in the central part of the country in areas such as Kessarine, Thala and Regueb. The protests were staged against unemployment but had resulted in violent street battles.

On Monday, the government has relaxed its stance against the demonstrators and informed that the protests against unemployment were justified. Tunisian President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali promised the creation of 300,000 new jobs to ease protests.

Ashton and Füle further requested Tunisian authorities to investigate the recent events and to engage in a dialogue with unions in order to find solutions to the problems raised by demonstrators.

The EU officials reiterated that the European body has strong dialogue and broad cooperation with Tunisia but warned that the bilateral relations cannot be strengthened until the African nation improves its areas of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

However, the EU believes that Tunisia is capable of meeting those increased commitments as well as the ambitions and expectations needed for strengthening bilateral relations on a wide range of issues.

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