Clashes rock Tehran TEHRAN: Security forces and pro-government militiamen clashed with protesters shouting “death to the dictator” outside Tehran University on Monday, beating men and women with batons and firing tear gas, on a day of nationwide student demonstrations, witnesses said. Thousands of protesters demonstrated in the streets outside the campus in support of students inside. As they chanted “death to the dictator,” riot police and Basij militiamen charged the crowds. The plainclothes Basijis beat protesters as the crowd scattered and then regrouped on nearby street corners. UN plea for Zimbabwe HARARE: The United Nations on Monday launched an appeal for $378 million in aid to Zimbabwe, saying the country’s humanitarian crisis has eased but that the situation remains fragile. “This is a critical moment for the UN and partners to support both humanitarian and recovery activities in Zimbabwe,” UN assistant secretary general for humanitarian affairs Catherine Bragg said addressing a news conference in Harare. “Although the country’s humanitarian situation has improved, it remains fragile,” she said. The aid request, which covers operations by the UN as well as aid agencies, would help feed 1.9 million people. Camara loses speech CONAKRY: Guinea’s military strongman, airlifted to a hospital in Morocco after being wounded in an assassination attempt, cannot speak and may not be returning home anytime soon, two top government officials said on Monday. The future of the bauxite-rich African nation seemed as uncertain as the health of Captain Moussa “Dadis” Camara, who seized power in a coup a year ago. The commander of the presidential guard who allegedly shot Camara on Thursday is on the run. Gunfire broke out Sunday evening after state TV announced a toll-free number where citizens could call if they had information about Abubakar “Toumba” Diakite’s whereabouts. Presidential guards searched passing cars as the junta launched a nationwide manhunt for him.