Ethiopian hospital sources say at least 27 people have been killed and at least 150 wounded in a second straight day of clashes between police and demonstrators in Addis Ababa.
Security forces fired shots to disperse stone-throwing opposition supporters protesting disputed elections held in May.
The government says only 11 people have been killed, including at least one police officer.
Eight people died and dozens of others were injured in Tuesday's violence.
Ethiopian authorities have arrested scores of protesters and several opposition leaders, including the head of the main opposition party (the Coalition for Democracy and Unity).
A party official (Berhane Mewa) told VOA police have used excessive force to quell the protests. But a government spokesman (Tekle Zemedkun) says opposition leaders are inciting their supporters to use violence.
The opposition has called for renewed protests against the ruling party of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, charging massive fraud in the May polls.
Americans Urged to Use Caution in Ethiopia
The United States has urged its citizens living and working in Ethiopia to use caution in moving about Addis Ababa, where clashes between the police and demonstrators erupted for a second day Wednesday.
In an advisory issued Tuesday, the U.S. Embassy has advised citizens living or working in the country to avoid demonstrations and political rallies, and to stay away from the Mercato and Piazza areas of Addis Ababa.
The Embassy is urging American citizens to carry a passport or other photo identification, and to register at the US Consulate for updated security and travel information.
