Barack Obama hails parliamentary election in Tunisia

Washington, Oct 27: US President

on Sunday applauded the election for a new parliament in Tunisia, calling it "an important milestone" in the North African country's political transition.

"On behalf of all Americans, I congratulate the people of Tunisia on the democratic election of a new parliament -- an important milestone in Tunisia's historic political transition," the president said in a statement.

The election is one of the final steps in the country's political transition, which followed the removal of the country's former leader Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in 2011.

Some 5.2 million registered voters are choosing a 217-seat parliament and the largest party will form the next government.

He reaffirmed the US supports for the transition in Tunisia.

IANS