UN mission concerned over violence in Benghazi

The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Monday expressed deep concern over clashes in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi that killed at least 31 people. "UNSMIL calls on all concerned to exercise maximum restraint and reiterates the necessity of resolving disagreements peacefully through dialogue and in a democratic spirit," UN spokesperson Martin Nesirky said at a daily news briefing. The clashes broke out Saturday when hundreds of protesters demanding disarmament of pro-government militiamen tried to storm a base of the "Shield of Libya," a grouping of pro-government militias tasked with maintaining security. The fighting killed at least 31 people and injured 100 others, a source at Al-Jala hospital in Benghazi was quoted by the official LANA news agency as saying. UNSMIL also appealed to Libyans to reject violence and all acts of retaliation, said the spokesperson. "The mission calls on all Libyans to support national efforts to ensure security and stability throughout Libya," Nesirky said. Initially created in September 2011 to help restore public security and initiate economic recovery in the North African country for three months, UNSMIL was tasked by the UN Security Council with assisting the Libyan authorities in promoting the rule of law, strengthening human rights, and helping restore public security.