Morocco has called for talks and a return to calm after violent clashes between youths and police left nearly 160 people injured in the northeastern town of Taza.
"Calm prevails in Taza and we are getting on top of the situation,” said Communications Minister Mustapha Khelfi on Friday.
“The authorities are concerned with maintaining order and with responding to the legitimate demands of the population," he added.
The Taza incident occurred when police forces clashed with a protest staged by unemployed youths and other disadvantaged people.
"Dialogue is the only means to resolve these problems. Insofar as the right to demonstrate peacefully is guaranteed, the respect for public property should also be ensured," Khelfi said.
Morocco's new government, which was officially put in place by parliament last week, faces difficult social conditions with a soaring rate of unemployment.
Morocco is home to some 33 million people, most of whom live in poverty.
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