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Foreign Secretary condemns violence and looting in Tunisia

Foreign Secretary William Hague has called for a rapid return to law and order in Tunisia and welcomed the efforts of the Tunisian authorities to hold elections as soon as possible.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

“It is critical that there is rapid return to law and order in Tunisia and I urge restraint from all sides. I condemn wholeheartedly the violence and looting which has been seen in the last 48 hours.

I welcome the efforts of the Tunisian authorities to hold elections as soon as possible and hope these elections are free and fair.

We continue to advise British people to avoid all but essential travel to Tunisia. British people who are currently in Tunisia, without a pressing need to be in the country, should leave by commercial means. Airspace is currently open over Tunisia, but this situation is moving rapidly and may change.

We are providing consular assistance for British Nationals in Tunisia, and our Embassy staff will be assisted by a Rapid Deployment Team, which is due to arrive in Tunisia on Sunday. We urge any British Nationals in Tunisia to observe the curfews in place and to stay indoors wherever possible.

If people are in Tunisia and require consular assistance they can call 00 (216) 71 108 713. Those in the UK should call their tour operator or airline for an update.”

Published 15 January 2011