France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the United States have reiterated their position that the transfer of power in Libya takes place following the announcement of the results of early and prompt parliamentary and presidential elections.

In a joint statement Friday, the five western powers called on the Libyan authorities to respect the aspirations of the Libyan people for prompt elections by swiftly determining a final date for the polling and issuing the decided list of presidential candidates without delay.

They stressed that the western countries stand ready to take action against those who threaten the stability or undermine the political and electoral process in Libya through violence or the incitement of violence.

"We affirm that individuals or entities, inside or outside Libya, who obstruct, undermine, manipulate or falsify the electoral process and the political transition will be held accountable."

They also renewed their support for the efforts of UN Secretary-General's Adviser on Libya Stephanie Williams to further a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned process towards the holding of elections in the country.