Tripoli, 17 June 2012- The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya (SRSG) Ian Martin expresses his concerns about the recent resumption of fighting in a number of Libyan localities, in which children, women and other unarmed civilians have been among those killed, injured and displaced.

SRSG Martin has already conveyed these concerns to the Libyan authorities at the highest level of Government.
SRSG Martin welcomes the statement issued on 16 June by the Prime Minister and the steps taken so far by the Government, and urges the Libyan authorities and all sides to implement fully immediate necessary measures to end the fighting, particularly in Kufra and in the Zintan-Shaqiqa area.
SRSG Martin further urges all sides to abide by international humanitarian principles. He reminds all concerned of their obligation to ensure the protection of civilians and avoid the targeting of civilian areas.

"It is of the utmost importance that the government acts swiftly to de-escalate these conflicts and to ensure the protection and well-being of civilians. The wounded need to be able to urgently access medical care, and basic humanitarian support and services must be restored to the people affected by the fighting in accordance with international humanitarian law. Sustained efforts are then need to address the causes and consequences of local conflicts, in the spirit of the commitment of the National Transitional Council and the Government to national reconciliation."

SRSG Martin calls on all concerned parties to create a conducive environment for the upcoming elections for the National Congress, the preparations of which have so far gone extremely well.

End.