Unrest Forces Tunisia To Shut Schools

Unrest Forces Tunisia To Shut Schools

Tunisia has temporarily shut all of its high schools and universities as it tried to stop deadly riots over joblessness and poor prospects for youths.

At least 14 people were killed in the unrest last weekend.

Tunisian President Zine Ben Ali, has announced a plan to create 300,000 jobs over two years.

He, however, blamed the rioters for what he called "terrorist acts'' .

The demonstrators have attacked public buildings and set cars on fire during more than three weeks of unrest.

Washington had expressed concern over Tunisia 's handling of the situation, and its ambassador was summoned on Monday to the Foreign Ministry.

Tunisia 's Interior Ministry said 14 people died in the unrest this weekend, while an opposition figure put the figure at 25 people.

The riots begun after a 26 -year-old man with a university degree set himself on fire on December 17 , after police confiscated his fruits and vegetables for selling them without a permit. The young man later died.

The action did not go down well with educated, unemployed youth nationwide as they went on rampage.

The rioters have destroyed many buildings in the country of 10 million people, where unemployment is officially put at around 14 per cent but is believed to be much higher in rural areas and among youths.

The Ministries for Education, Higher Learning and Scientific Research released a statement saying that classes and examinations would be suspended as from Tuesday until further notice.

Meanwhile, the Tunisian president had announced the cancellation of taxes for business projects that create jobs in rural regions.

REUTERS/NAN/Margaret/Yinka