Those Responsible for Using Military Forces against Civilians to Be Held

 

Accountable, Warns Secretary-General as Special Envoy Departs Libya

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General has remained closely abreast of the situation in Libya and the critical discussions under way in the Security Council over measures aimed at protecting civilians.   He spoke by phone lateyesterday evening with Libya’s Foreign Minister.

The Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Abdul Ilah Khatib, has departed Libya today with his delegation after two days of discussions in which he conveyed to senior Libyan officials the strong calls by the international community to cease the fighting and the violence, to ensure humanitarian access and to work towards a peaceful solution of the crisis.  The Special Envoy stressed the need for a firm and unambiguous commitment on the part of the Libyan Government to cease hostilities immediately.

The Special Envoy’s efforts continue, including contacts with representatives of Libyan political groups in Benghazi, as well as with the authorities in Tripoli.  The Secretary-General is gravely concerned about the increasing military escalation by Government forces, which include indications of an assault on the city of Benghazi.  A campaign to bombard such an urban centre would massively place civilian lives at risk.   The Secretary-General is urging all parties in this conflict to accept an immediate ceasefire and to abide by Security Council resolution 1970 (2011).  Those responsible for the continuous use of military forces against civilians will be held accountable.

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For information media • not an official record