Tunisia stands by Libya to carry out its presidential election, scheduled for December 24, said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad Othman Jerandi.

«Tunisia's position is firm and constant in favour of the Libyan people's choice, he told TAP on the fringes of the opening of the Paris International Conference on Libya.

Jerandi stressed the need to hold Libyan elections within the set deadline, in accordance with the roadmap, which should outline the future of the country.

The aim is to restore security in Libya and strengthen stability in neighbouring countries.

«The issue of stability in Libya is a very important challenge, not only for the Libyans but also for the neighbouring countries and the Mediterranean region,» the Minister indicated.

He considered that the current Paris Summit, organised by France, Germany and Italy, «comes a few weeks before the presidential and legislative elections in Libya, and is therefore of the utmost importance.»

Tunisia has held numerous consultations with Libya's neighbouring countries and is directly following this issue by contacting the Libyan «brothers» on this subject, Jerandi said.

«Foreign mercenaries must withdraw from Libya, given the serious threat they pose, not only to Libya and its transition process but also to the entire region.»

The Paris Summit on Libya opened on Thursday evening in the French capital with the participation of the United Nations, Germany and Italy.

It brings together some twenty heads of state and government, including Prime Minister Najla Bouden.