Arab League calls for unity, calm in Tunisia

The Arab League on Saturday called on all Tunisian political forces to unite and bring back calm after the ouster of president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali amid deadly social protests.

"In this historic phase witnessed by the Tunisian people, the Arab League calls on all political forces, and representatives of Tunisian society and officials, to be united for the good of the Tunisian people and to achieve civil peace," a statement said.

The league urged all to "work together for the return of calm and security and stability," and to reach "a national consensus to bring the country out of this crisis while guaranteeing the respect of the will of the Tunisian people."

Ben Ali fled Tunisia on Friday as he and members of his family and inner circle escaped a street uprising against his 23 years of authoritarian rule. He was last reported to be in Saudi Arabia.

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