No evidence that Libya is fulfilling its obligations to protect civilians, UN chief says

UNITED NATIONS. March 29. KAZINFORM The United Nations has seen no evidence of a ceasefire in Libya or of any steps by the country's authorities to fulfil their obligations under Security Council resolutions aimed at protecting civilians in the strife-torn North African country, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said yesterday.

"We have serious concerns about the protection of civilians and respect for human rights and international humanitarian law," Mr. Ban told Member States during an informal closed meeting of the General Assembly, which he briefed on his recent travels. "I call, once again, for full respect for international humanitarian law and human rights by all those involved in the fighting."

He also stressed the urgent need for humanitarian access, reiterating that all parties to the fighting have an obligation to allow unimpeded access to people in need.

The Secretary-General said he would continue to take part in "wide-ranging diplomatic efforts aimed at a ceasefire and a political solution" to the conflict in Libya, where military forces allied to leader Muammar al-Qadhafi have waged a fierce battle with opposition forces.

On 10 March the Security Council adopted a resolution authorizing Member States to take "all necessary measures" to protect civilians in Libya, and since then several countries have carried out air strikes as part of their efforts to implement the resolution.

Mr. Ban told the General Assembly that there are reports that opposition groups have made a series of westward advances in the past few days, although he cautioned that the situation on the ground is rapidly changing, UN News Centre informs.

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