MOSCOW, October 26 (Itar-Tass) - In view of the worsening political situation in Tunisia Russia believes it is important for all social and political forces in the country to display restraint, responsibility, and readiness for compromise for the sake of further democratic change crucial to addressing vital social and economic tasks, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
“Of late, Tunisia saw high internal political tensions,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said. “Tough-going consultations are on between the main political forces on implementing a road map for ending the crisis and forming a new government. Growing activities by extremist forces in various parts of the country complicate this process.”
On October 23 a clash in Sidi Bouzid, 265 kilometres south of the capital Tunis, between police and activists of a radical group left seven police dead. The incident provoked mass protest demonstrations in many localities. In the cities of Kef and Bedja protesters raided and set fire to the offices of the largest member party of the ruling coalition, Al Nahda. Some people were injured.
The Russian Foreign Ministry believes it is essential to fully implement the national agreements to finalize the country’s new constitution, establish an independent election commission, approve an election law and set the dates for presidential and parliamentary elections.
All Russian citizens in Tunisia and those about to visit that country were advised again to show caution and keep away from the sites of mass demonstrations.