Tunis – Nabil Zaghdoud
An armed group, assumed to be Libyan, attacked an advanced border crossing between Tunisia and Libya, last night. Several media and military sources stated that the National Guard advanced border crossing located south of Ras Jedir, on the Tunisian-Libyan borders, was attacked last night by an armed group on three vehicles, who heavenly opened fire on the stationed officers. Sources confirmed that the violent clashes occurred between the Tunisian border guards and the gunmen, who were finally forced to retreat. Tunisian forces were able to confiscate a Klashinkov weapon belonging to the armed group. It is noted that the same border post saw the kidnap of a Tunisian police officer by a Libyan armed group, last Saturday, before he was released by a revolutionary brigade (Gado) and was able to return to Tunisia Sunday morning. Tunisian Interior Minister Ali al-Arid commented on the influence of the incident on the Tunisian-Libyan relations, saying that it should not be blown out of proportion, believing that it was irrelevant to the solid relations between the two countries, which are not to be affected by similar incidents. He further stressed that he would take all necessary measuress to prevent the reoccurrence of such actions in the future. Discussing the security measures between the two countries is expected to top the agenda of the Tunisian President’s visit to Tripoli. Marzouki, who arrived earlier today, Monday, is to meet head of the National Transitional Council Mustafa Abdul Jalil and the members of the Libyan government, to discuss various issues of mutual interest, particularly developing the Libyan investment in Tunisia and providing employment opportunities for Tunisians in Libya.