UN chief wants full access for humanitarian aid in Libya
April 7th, 2011 - 11:37 am ICT by IANSUnited Nations, April 7 (IANS) Voicing his deep concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Libya, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for efforts “to ensure full access for humanitarian aid” in the north African country.
“The secretary-general is deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation facing civilians in Libyan cities under military attack, including Misratah, Brega and Zintan,” Xinhua cited Ban’s spokesman as quoting him in a statement Wednesday.
“Conditions in Misratah are especially grave, with reports of the use of heavy weapons to attack the city, where the population is trapped and unable, as a result of heavy shelling that has continued over several weeks, to receive basic supplies, including clean water, food, and medicines,” the statement said.
“The secretary-general reiterates his urgent call for an immediate cessation of the indiscriminate use of military force against the civilian population and to ensure full access for humanitarian assistance,” it added.
“He also calls, once again, on the government of Libya to abide by Security Council Resolution 1973, which demands the immediate establishment of a ceasefire and the complete end to violence and armed attacks against civilians,” the statement said.
Fighting in Libya between the government of Muammar Gaddafi and a rebel faction with assistance from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is continuing, causing difficult conditions in the north African country.
The western Libyan city of Misrata has witnessed fighting for over 40 straight days, leaving hundreds dead and wounded and thousands stranded.
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