Summary U.N. Secretary General has expressed deep concern about the recent escalation of violence in Libya
CAIRO (AP) -- The U.N. Secretary General has expressed deep concern about the recent escalation of violence in Libya, including recent airstrikes on a military air base that until this week was Tripoli s only functioning airport.
In a statement Wednesday, Ban Ki-moon called on all sides to end the fighting. His envoy, Bernardino Leon, asked the head of the internationally-recognized government, Abdullah al-Thinni, to stop airstrikes on the Matiga air base, held by Islamist militias who with their allies control the capital.
Al-Thinni described the strikes by Libya s air force as "preventive" against militias who were planning attacks against his government.
Ban also said violations of U.N. premises in Tripoli can t be tolerated. On Monday, dozens of protesters gathered just outside the gates of the U.N. office, denouncing Leon and urging his departure.
