Tunis — Interior Minister Ali Larayedh said on Thursday that the investigation into the assassination of opposition leader Chokri Belaid "is progressing rapidly" with the arresting of suspects.

In a statement to the press, Ali Larayedh indicated that "we cannot certify now, that the individuals arrested are the killers or determine the sponsors of the assassination."

"We will shortly inform the public opinion of a few important elements linked to this case after court decision," he added.

Besides, he denied the existence of a parallel security apparatus in the Interior Ministry, saying that these are allegations which attempt to undermine the security institution and the country's stability."

"These allegations are of criminal nature and considered as irresponsible in the current situation," he said, stressing will to move forward on the path of the security reform "until the end".

As regards the weapons seized on Wednesday in M'nihla (Ariana), Ali Larayedh announced that the investigation is under way to reveal the circumstances of the case, adding that the police have arrested 13 individuals including 11 hiding in the region's mosques. Six among them are wanted in common law cases.