UN chief urges restraint, dialogue in Tunisia

New York, US (PANA) - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for restraint and dialogue following violent
clashes between Tunisian security forces and protesters, which reportedly claimed at least 14 lives in recent days.

``The Secretary-General calls for restraint and urges all parties to seek to resolve differences through dialogue,”
a brief UN statement said Monday.

``Ban underscores the importance of full respect for freedom of expression,'' it said, adding that the UN chief urged
the people to eschew violence and toe the line of dialogue.

The Tunisian government Monday ordered an indefinite closure of all schools and universities, following continuing violent protests linked to frustrations with poor job prospects and the country’s leaders.
-0- PANA AA/SEG 11Jan2011