The speaker of the Arab Parliament on Monday called for an immediate cease-fire among warring militias in the Libyan capital Tripoli, where dozens of people including several children have died in violent clashes over the past week.
"We have followed the events unfolding in Tripoli with grave concern and underline the necessity of an immediate ceasefire to safeguard civilian lives," Mishaal bin Fahm al-Salami stated.
In the statement, Salami urged armed groups to punish "anyone who targets civilians".
The statement also urged militias to respect the sovereignty of the Libyan state and not to stage attacks on government buildings.
Clashes between militias in the city have led Libya's UN-backed government, the Government of National Accord to declare a state of emergency. Some of the militias who are vying for control of Tripoli back the GNA.
The UN mission in Libya, UNSMIL, late on Sunday issued a statement condemning the escalation of the deadly clashes which have killed at least 47 people and injured dozens more according to the country's health ministry.
UNSMIL is inviting the warring militias to attend emergency talks on Tuesday.
