German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries from Libya after a meeting on Friday with the country’s interim president, Mohammed Minfi.

“The question of the future of Libya must be determined by Libyan forces and Libyan citizens and not by foreign influence,” Ms Merkel said in Berlin.

The outgoing chancellor also touched upon preparations for Libyan elections, which are scheduled to take place on December 24, stating, “There is still a lot to be done.”

After the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya descended into a civil war that included a plethora of militias. A ceasefire has been in force since last year.

Earlier this year, a transitional government was formed under the United Nations mediation to lead the country until elections are held.

The German government, which has taken on a role as mediator in the conflict, hosted a major summit in Berlin last year with the aim of ending the interference of other countries with arms deliveries and mercenaries.

Russia, Turkey, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are involved in the conflict.

(NAN)