20110116
reuters

ROME (Reuters) - An Italian circus troupe with about 50 animals is appealing for evacuation from Tunisia by ship after being stranded by violent street protests.

The "Circo Bellucci", which has been touring Tunisia for the past three months, says the lives of its 100 members were in danger because of the clashes which ousted Tunisia's president.

"When the president fled, so did all the policemen," Attilio Bellucci of the circus told Italian television from the southern Tunisian city of Sfax. "We feel completely abandoned."

The troupe, which includes six children and a three-month-old baby, had barricaded themselves inside their caravans amid explosions and firing of teargas outside, he said.

Italy's ambassador to Tunisia, Pietro Benassi, said a few stones had been thrown at the circus and he was in regular contact with the troupe. Rome was evaluating options for bringing the troupe back home, he told Ansa news agency.

Flights between Italy and Tunisia resumed on Sunday, but the circus wanted a ship to avoid leaving the animals and equipment behind. It earlier said its Tunisian agent had fled and it was struggling to find bread and water since all shops were shut.