The Foreign Minister has issued a travel warning to those wishing to travel to Tunisia, pointing out that several people had been killed and injured in demonstrations over the past few days.

A general state of emergency was declared yesterday and a curfew was declared in Greater Tunis, forbidding people from going out between 8 p.m. and 5.30 a.m.

"Maltese nationals should steer away from large gatherings and demonstrations and exercise caution, the ministry said.

They should also obey orders by the local police.

In case of emergency they should contact the Maltese embassy. Contact details can be found on www.foreign.gov.mt

France concerned at 'disproportionate' Tunisia violence

Earlier today, French Prime Minister Francois Fillon expressed serious concern at the "disproportionate use of violence" in Tunisia, after deadly clashes between security forces and protesters.

"We are extremely concerned by the violence that has developed in recent days. We urgently call on all parties to show restraint, to choose the path of dialogue," Fillon told journalists on a visit to London.

"We cannot continue with this disproportionate use of violence," he added, in the strongest reaction so far from Tunisia's former colonial power.

The death toll from weeks of unrest mounted to 66 today after eight protesters were killed in overnight clashes with security forces around the capital Tunis.

The violence flared after weeks of protests that initially focussed on high unemployment, sparked by the suicide of a young graduate who set himself alight on December 17.

AD asks government to intervene

In a statement, Alternattiva Domokratika asked the government to intervene with its TUnisian counterpart to stop the bloodshed in Tunisia.

International Affairs spokesman Arnold Cassola said AD supported the Tunision opposition forces, including the Green Party "Tunisie Verte", in their call for an immediate halt to all violence by the police and the army and for the safeguarding of the freedoms of expression, association and infomation and the enactment of full democratic rights.