Briefly

IRAN

Rouhani warns nation cannot allow 'insecurity'

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned on Sunday that Iran could not allow "insecurity" after two days of unrest killed two people. "Protesting is the people's right, but protesting is different from rioting. We should not allow insecurity in the society," he said. Rouhani said the petrol price hike that triggered the protests will finance social welfare spending amid an economic downturn. The unrest erupted on Friday, hours after it was announced that the price of petrol would rise to 15,000 rials per liter (12 US cents) from 10,000 for the first 60 liters, and to 30,000 rials for any extra fuel bought after that each month.

CHILE

President condemns police violence

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera on Sunday for the first time condemned what he called abuses committed by police in dealing with four weeks of violent unrest that have rocked Chile. "There was excessive use of force. Abuses and crimes were committed, and the rights of all were not respected," the president said in a speech to the nation as it marked a month of turmoil that has left 22 people dead and more than 2,000 injured. Furious Chileans have been protesting social and economic inequality and criticizing the entrenched political elite that belongs to a small number of the wealthiest families.

ITALY

Venice swamped by 3rd record tide in week

Venice was hit on Sunday by a record third exceptional tide in the same week while other parts of Italy struggled with a series of weather woes, from rain-swollen rivers to high winds to an out-of-season avalanche. Most stores and museums in Venice were closed in the hardest-hit area around St Mark's Square, but tourists donned high rubber boots and even hip waders to witness and photograph the spectacle. Most were disappointed when officials closed the historic square as winds rippled across the rising waters.