UN's Valerie Amos seeks pause in Libya fighting

UN aid chief Valerie Amos has called for a pause in hostilities in Libya to help ease the humanitarian crisis.

Baroness Amos told the UN Security Council that Misrata, the only rebel-held city in western Libya, was in a

dire state and short of food and water. Three-quarters of a million people have fled Libya since an uprising began against Col Muammar Gaddafi's rule.

Meanwhile Nato has carried out raids on the capital Tripoli, the heaviest bombardment there for weeks. Reports say four buildings were targeted, including Col Gaddafi's family complex, the military intelligence agency and state TV headquarters. The government said the country's high commission for children had been hit, and four children were injured by flying glass. It is impossible to verify the reports.

In Misrata, rebels say they have pushed government troops back from its outskirts. The aftermath of the latest reported Nato airstrike in Tripoli The city has been under siege from forces loyal to Col Gaddafi for two months.

Baroness Amos said the disruption caused by a combination of the conflict and sanctions was paralysing the country. She called on the Security Council to ensure that all parties respected international law and she said the use of cluster bombs, sea and land mines, as well as aerial bombing showed a callous disregard for civilians.

The conflict and disrupted supply lines had delayed the arrival of commercial goods, she said. "Widespread shortages are paralysing the country in ways which will impact gravely on the general population in the months ahead, particularly for the poorest and the most vulnerable," she added. There was only enough food left for a few months, she said. She renewed calls for money, saying an appeal for $144m (£88m) had only been half met, and more than that would be needed.

A Red Cross ship successfully docked in Misrata on Monday, bringing medical equipment, baby food and spare parts for electrical and water systems. The port has become a lifeline for the city, allowing refugees to leave and supplies to be brought in, but has come under repeated attack from pro-Gaddafi forces. Medical sources say at least 300 people have been killed by the weeks of fighting in Misrata.

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