14 killed in Tunisia unrest

Fourteen civilians were killed in clashes with Tunisian police in three towns over the weekend – the latest in a deadly wave of unrest which has lasted nearly a month.

According to the government, those killed had been armed with petrol bombs, stones and sticks and were attacking public property. Several police officers were also wounded. The protesters say they are angry at the lack of jobs for young people, but officials say the rioting is the work of a minority of violent extremists.

Rioting to protest joblessness and other social ills has scarred numerous cities across this tiny country since Dec. 17, after a 26-year-old man with a university degree set himself on fire when police confiscated his fruits and vegetables for selling without a permit.

In the strongest sign to date authorities may be ready to make some concessions, Tunisia's Communications Minister Samir Labidia said in an interview broadcast on Al Jazeera television that the government would respond to people's grievances, and said the government is ready for a dialogue with young people.

President Ben Ali has said the violent protests are unacceptable and could discourage investors and tourists vital to the economy.

The United States has expressed concern about the government's handling of the protests. There has been no public response yet from the European Union, which is Tunisia's biggest trading partner.

Listen to report by Kelsea Brennan-Wessels: