Curfew ends in Douz of southern Tunisia

Tunisia on Monday announced to cut short the overnight curfew in Douz, southern Tunisia, that was imposed after days of tribal clashes. Earlier President Moncef Marzouki declared a state of emergency in the area from May 8 until May 22, following violent confrontations between residents of Douz, in the governorate of Kebili. Tensions started to mount on Wednesday when residents from different parts of Douz claimed property of land, where a petrol company is to launch drilling activities. Clashes ended after the intervention of security and army forces. A curfew then has been imposed from 10:00 pm (2100 GMT) to 5:00 am local time in the town, about 400 km south of the capital Tunis. Negotiations between the parties in disagreement were held in the presence of security officers in order to prevent any potential violence. On Saturday President Marzouki met with representatives of both parties in conflict. He called for the creation of special real estate committees that would provide a practical solution by drawing clear borders to satisfy the disagreeing parties.