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Foreign Office Minister condemns Libyan shelling of Tunisia border and changes travel advice

Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Alistair Burt said that the shelling of the Tunisia border is another example of the Libyan regime's utter lack of legitimacy.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

“Recent incidents of live fire and shelling at the Tunisian border with Libya demonstrate the wanton disregard of the Qadhafi regime for its obligations under international law. Firing into a neighbouring country is illegal, wholly wrong and must cease immediately. It is another example of the regime’s utter lack of legitimacy.

“I commend the Tunisian government’s moderate response to these violations of its territorial integrity and Tunisia’s on-going efforts to manage the effects of the conflict.

“In light of recent incidents, I have decided to change the travel advice for Tunisia to advise against all but essential travel within 40km of the Tunisia-Libya border. This does not affect the main resorts or other tourist destinations in Tunisia, where there are no restrictions. “

Published 6 May 2011