Three killed in clashes in Tunisia''s capital: ministry

Tunis, Feb 26 (AFP) Three people were killed inclashes Saturday between demonstrators and security forces inTunisia''s capital, the interior ministry announced after asecond day of unrest in the city.

"Three people died from the dozen who were woundedduring clashes and were transferred to hospital fortreatment," it said in a statement. The description suggestedthe dead were demonstrators.

"Several members of the security forces were woundedto different degrees," it said without giving a number.

Security forces had fired warning shots and tear gasat the anti-government demonstration, and protesters respondedby hurling stones, AFP reporters said.

It followed a similar protest in the capital onFriday. The ministry said more than 100 people were arrestedon Saturday and 88 people had been arrested on Friday.

It blamed the clashes on "agitators" it said hadinfiltrated the peaceful demonstrators.

They had used students "as human shields to carry outviolent acts, fires aimed at sowing terror among the peopleand targeting the internal security forces," the statementsaid.

Tens of thousands of protesters had taken to thestreets on Friday demanding the resignation of the country''sinterim prime minister who was part of the regime of presidentZine El Abidine Ben Ali ousted January 14.

In response to growing protests, Prime MinisterMohamed Ghannouchi''s government announced Friday that it willhold elections by mid-July. (AFP)