Tunis — The Prime Ministry said it disapproves of the calls for a general protest strike on Thursday launched by some regional labour unions, stressing that "the deplorable incidents" that occurred on Tuesday in front of the General Labour Union (UGTT) headquarters "did not justify such escalation and should have been overcome through dialogue."

In a statement published late on Wednesday evening, the Prime Ministry insists notably on its care to remain open onto all the parties "for the general interest which must remain above all considerations and launch the necessary investigations to penalise those who committed these sorrowful incidents."

The statement warns against the impact of strike and protest calls on the running of public services, especially in such vital sectors as health, transport and education.

In this regard, the Prime Ministry urges "staff everywhere and especially in schools to secure their work and fulfill their duty" just as it urged citizens, parties, associations and organisations, including UGTT, to have reason and dialogue prevail to overcome difficulties.