Macron: Russia, Turkey Must Withdraw Mercenaries From Libya Immediately

French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed, on Friday, that Russia and Turkey should withdraw mercenaries from Libya without delay, AFP reported.

"The mercenary withdrawal plan must be implemented. Russia and Turkey must withdraw their mercenaries without delay," Macron said after a conference on Libya in Paris.

Macron welcomed the announcement that 300 mercenaries fighting for the strongman Khalifa Haftar would leave as a "first step".

In the same vein, the French President stated that the conference stressed full support for the peace process in Libya.

The conference, which included the leaders of France, Libya, Germany, Italy and Egypt, as well as the U.S. vice president, was to cement backing for the planned vote on Dec. 24 and efforts to remove foreign forces.

Powers in Paris decided “that inpiduals or entities, inside or outside of Libya, who might attempt to obstruct, undermine, manipulate or falsify the electoral process and the political transition” could face sanctions.