Tataouine — A Libyan delegation including representatives of people's committees, particularly the Civil Institution for Libyan Rebels, arrived, on Friday, in Tataouine.

The aim of this visit is "to express gratitude to the local citizens and social structures that had hosted Libyans during the Libyan Revolution in the period between February and August 2012," Chairman of the institution's Constituent Committee Abdelfattah Abdallah Aoun told TAP correspondent.

He stressed the Libyan rebels' recognition to the local inhabitants and all Tunisians for their hospitality and support.

He also placed emphasis on the strong relations and the co-operation binding the two brotherly peoples and the need to further strengthen them.

The first Libyan refugee family had arrived, on March 23-2011, in Tataouine, and in the following months over 40,000 Libyan families were housed in 8 relief centres in the city of Tataouine and 3 others in various local delegations, in addition to two camps in Dehiba and Remada.

Nearly 8,000 wounded persons had also received first aid and treatment in the region.