UN chief urges efforts to quell Tunisia unrest

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon urged Monday for Tunisia's interim leaders to take all necessary steps to quell violence, while ensuring that civil liberties are not trampled.

Ban told reporters in Abu Dhabi that he remains "extremely concerned" about the level of unrest and urged the international community to assist Tunisia after riots last week toppled long-ruling strongman President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Tunisia has been hit by looting and fighting as the country's interim leaders moved swiftly to announce a new government, which would include opposition members for the first time.

"I urge the international community to support efforts to restore genuine democracy in the country," Ban said a news conference on the sidelines of a forum on clean energy. "The events in Tunisia highlight the need to address the underlying social and economic needs of the population. "

Ban also called on Tunisian authorities to provide assurances that freedom of speech and other rights would remain intact.

He urged Tunisia's political leaders and others "to ensure the prompt restoration of the rule of law and to accommodate the aspirations of the people."

On Monday, the European Union pledged economic aid to Tunisia and was willing to "prepare and organize the electoral process" in Tunisia.