UN calls for cease-fire in western Libya

TRIPOLI: The United Nations has urged rival militias in western Libya to observe a truce for at least four days from Saturday to facilitate humanitarian aid for civilians trapped by the fighting.
The clashes first broke out last weekend in when nationalist militia from the hill town of Zintan attacked the twin towns of Kekla and Al-Kalaa, which support the Fajr Libya militia.
More than 20 people were killed and dozens wounded in the weekend fighting, but figures on casualties since then are unavailable.
“The United Nations Support Mission in Libya is proposing a cessation of military operations in the areas of Kekla and Kalaa in western Libya for at least four days,” UNSMIL said.
That would help “to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance,” a statement said, adding that UNSMIL could send an aircraft to evacuate the wounded “once the initiative is implemented.”
“Letters detailing the initiative, which is supported by the government of Italy, have been sent to the municipal councils” of the embattled region, the statement added.
Last weekend’s violence erupted as UN chief Ban Ki-moon made a surprise visit to Tripoli, as rival militias have been fighting on several fronts across the country.
“Let me be clear: if violent confrontations do not cease immediately, if sustainable peace is not restored, prosperity and a better life will be a distant dream,” Ban said.