TRIPOLI, Libya, March 30 (UPI) -- The U.N. support mission in Libya welcomed a cease-fire brokered in southern Libya of the country but called for further investigation.
EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton issued an appeal for calm following three days of clashes between rival tribal factions in the southern Libyan town of Sabha that left more than 70 people dead.
The U.N. Support Mission in Libya announced later that a cease-fire was brokered between rival factions in the southern town.
Ian Martin, U.N. special envoy for Libya, called on all sides to work together to maintain security through peaceful dialogue.
"It is critical that the government and all sides take steps to further de-escalate the situation and address the underlying causes of this recent fighting," he said in a statement.
The interim administration in Tripoli had sent troops to the region. UNSMIL said it was working with local councils in Sabha, the Libyan Red Crescent, security forces and tribal elders to care for the estimated 167 wounded.
