Tripoli, 12 August 2014 - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) strongly condemns the continuing battles in Tripoli despite the repeated official and international calls for an immediate ceasefire and to refrain from the use of force to resolve political differences.

The Mission deplores the rise in the number of civilian casualties and expresses deep concern about the shortages in medical supplies, the displacement of thousands of families, the huge destruction of residences and infrastructure as well as the halt in economic activity.

The Mission also condemns the continuing battles in the eastern region, which is inflicting harm on the civilian population, and the attacks against police and army positions as well as the use of military aircraft in combat.

UNSMIL, in coordination with international partners, is in constant contact with all sides in an effort to reach a ceasefire, end the bloodshed and agree to political solutions to the current problems. The Mission calls on all sides to respond positively to these efforts without delay.