THE GOVERNMENT is advising against non-essential travel to Tunisia as protesters continue to demand the immediate resignation of the country’s president, Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said there was a potential for violence in the country, raising the risk of people “getting caught up in demonstrations”. While Ireland does not have an embassy in Tunisia, Irish interests are represented by the honorary consul in Tunis. Diplomatic representation for Tunisia is handled by the Irish embassy in Spain.
The department said it is “closely monitoring” the situation but has not received any requests for consular assistance from Irish travellers or Irish citizens who may be resident in the North African country. While the number of Irish holidaymakers in the country is small, the department said it was contacting the estimated 50 Irish citizens who live in Tunisia. It called on anyone who may be concerned about family members who may be in the country to contact the department.
Irish citizens in Tunisia are advised to register their details with the department at dfa.ie or phone the Irish consulate in Tunis at 00-216-71-906-879.
:quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/irishtimes/e1807905-8678-47b5-a915-2bc7f91a5bbd.png)