the first batch of the tunisian pilgrims left tunis today for the holy places in the kingdom of saudi arabia. as many as 8, 500 tunisians are expected to perform hajj this year. the tunisian pilgrims will be transported to the kingdom aboard 37 flights from seven tunisian airprots. tunisian minister of religious affairs abu bakr al-khazrawi highlighted the great atention given by tunisia to the comfort of its pilgrims so as to enable them easily preform their rituals and project a good image about their country. the tunisian pilgrims are accompanied by 62 religious guides and 190 other guides . --spa 12:59 local time 09:59 gmt nnnn