UNITED NATIONS, July 14 (RIA Novosti) - The UN is moving most of its staff members out of Libya, a statement by the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said Monday.
“After the latest fighting on Sunday and because of the closure of Tripoli International Airport, the Mission concluded that it would not be possible to continue its work in delivering advice and technical support while at the same time ensuring the security and safety of its staff.”
The UN Mission said its “staff will return as soon as security conditions permit.”
Earlier on Monday, the UN in New York said that Secretary General Ban Ki-moon “is extremely concerned by the dramatic increase in violence in Tripoli and the toll that recent fighting is having on the civilian population” and “reiterates the urgent need for dialogue among all Libyan actors to agree on a peaceful way forward for the political transition process.”
Violent clashes between rival Libyan militias erupted near Tripoli International Airport on Sunday leaving several people killed and dozens wounded. The airport was closed for security reasons.
