U.N.: Libya has 'small window of opportunity' to end unrest, or risk protracted conflict

NEW YORK, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Bernardino León, head of the U.N. Support Mission in Libya, warned the U.N. Security Council on Monday that Libya has only a "small window of opportunity" to address its ongoing conflict.

Libya is at a "critical moment" in its democratic transition as it confronts "a faltering political process that has brought the country closer to the brink of protracted conflict and civil strife," said León.

"The small window of opportunity before us for a peaceful resolution to the current crisis should not be missed... Libya's leaders will have to act quickly, and seek a political solution through a meaningful and inclusive dialogue."

Increasing violence in Libya has led to an "extremely volatile and precarious" ground situation.

Islamist rebels having captured Tripoli, Benghazi, Derna and other cities. Parliament fled Tripoli and has taken refuge aboard a Greek car ferry in Tobruk harbor. Diplomatic missions, including the U.S., evacuated Libya this summer due to security concerns.

In response, León told the Council: "I impressed upon my interlocutors the need to refrain from taking any action that would further exacerbate current divisions, and stressed that any solution to the current crisis would have to be negotiated within the framework of the current political legitimacy that emanated from the elections."

Despite the challenges, León expressed his determination to support "the Libyan people's desire to safeguard their country's national unity and social fabric."

To date, the U.N.'s Refugee Agency and World Food Program have assisted tens of thousands of internally displaced persons in Libya.