The European Union has condemned Tunisia's crackdown on food protests, warning that closer ties depended on respect for human rights.
Tunisia's government said 14 people were killed in clashes over the weekend when its security forces opened fire on protestors.
The interior ministry said its forces shot at the crowds 'in self defence' and only after warnings were given.
An opposition leader said at least 20 people were killed in clashes between protestors and security forces in the neighbouring south-central towns of Thala and Kasserine, 290km south of Tunis, and in the town of Requeb.
The clashes marked the biggest unrest to date since protests over rising food prices and rampant youth unemployment erupted in the region in mid-December.
EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has said that she was 'concerned about events that have been taking place in Tunisia in the past days,' and has called for the release of detained protestors.
'We deplore the violence and the loss of lives and express sympathy to families of the victims,' Ms Ashton's spokeswoman said. 'We call for restraint in the use of force and for respect of fundamental freedoms.'
'We call for the immediate release from detention of bloggers, journalists, lawyers and other people who were detained, who were peacefully demonstrating in Tunisia.'
The spokeswoman said the EU has a 'very vibrant' dialogue with Tunisia and the two sides were 'in the process of strengthening this bilateral relation.'
But, she added, 'this strengthening of relations requires increased commitments on all issues, in particular in the area of human rights and fundamental freedoms.'
Talks began in May 2010 on whether to grant Tunisia 'advanced status,' which would open the door to deeper political dialogue and trade ties.
France, the former colonial power, appealed for calm after weeks of protests against high prices and unemployment in the North African country turned deadly at the weekend.
The US last week raised concerns with Tunisia about its handling of the unrest and called for 'restraint'.
Washington also expressed concern over apparent 'interference' with the internet by the Tunis government, accused of arresting dissident bloggers and hacking and blocking certain websites.
