UN Secretary-general Ban Ki- moon said on Friday that he is staying vigilant with regards to the unfolding political situation in Tunisia.

"I have been very closely following the situation in Tunisia, with concern," he told the reporters here at a press conference in the UN Headquarters in New York.

"I am saddened by the loss of life and call again for restraint in the use of force and full respect for the freedom of expression and association," he said.

Violent protests broke out in Tunisia this week over problems like rising fuel and food prices, and unemployment rates, resulting in 23 deaths to date. Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, long-time president of Tunisia, has responded to the protests by declaring that he will not seek the presidency again in 2014 and that he will enforce new reforms in his country.

"The political situation is developing fast and every effort must be made by all concerned parties to establish dialogue and resolve problems peacefully to prevent further violence and escalations," Ban said.

The secretary-general added that he will continue to talk with concerned parties about the situation in Tunisia.