UN chief calls for deployment of police force to Libya

An international police force may have to be deployed to Libya to help restore order in the war-torn nation, UN chief Ban Ki-moon said on Saturday after talks with officials of several leading organisations.
 
''Clearly, the challenges ahead are enormous,'' said Ban. ''Fighting goes on in many parts of the country. There is an urgent need to put an end to the conflict and restore order and stability.'' Ban earlier spoke to officials of the African Union (AU), the Arab League, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and the European Union.
 
All the officials he spoke to agreed that if there was a request from Libyan authorities, ''we should be prepared to help develop a police capacity, bearing in mind that the country is awash with small arms.''
 
The UN chief also said there should be improved ties between the AU and the rebel government in Libya. The AU has refused to recognise the National Transitional Council (NTC), which claims to have overthrown the Gaddafi regime.
 
''I believe that Libyan authorities and the African Union should develop cooperative relations on the basis of this changing situation,'' said Ban. ''I believe that they will be able to have a better dialogue and a further dialogue.''
 
Admitting there were enormous challenges in Libya, he said there was an urgent need to put an end to the conflict and restore order and stability.

An international meeting on Libya is being held in Paris on 1 September, where Ban will meet Mustafa Abdel Jalil, the NTC leader.
 
According to the UN chief, reports from Libya suggest that the water supply to the capital and surrounding region may be in danger - putting several million people, or more, at risk.

He also spoke of reports of widespread shortages of fuel, food and medical supplies.
 
Rebels are believed to have almost complete control of Tripoli, though fighting continues in the east. Rebel forces and NATO aircraft are now targeting Sirte, Gaddafi's hometown, about 450 km east of Tripoli.

British fighter aircraft struck a bunker on Friday in Sirte, where troops loyal to the ousted Libyan leader are putting up some resistance.