Tunisia shuts down schools amid unrest

Tunisia says it is temporarily shutting down all of its high schools and universities as it tries to contain deadly riots over joblessness and poor prospects for youths.

The government says at least 14 people were killed in unrest this weekend in the North African nation.

Tunisia’s president went on national television Monday and announced a plan to create 300,000 jobs over two years. President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali also blamed rioters for what he called “terrorist acts.” Demonstrators have attacked public buildings and set cars ablaze during more than three weeks of unrest, and police have opened fire on rioters several times.

Washington has expressed concerns over Tunisia’s handling of the riots, and its ambassador was summoned Monday to the Foreign Ministry.