belfasttelegraph

Friday 24 May 2013

Gaddafi-held zone 'faces shortages'

Libyan boys walk past a destroyed food warehouse that was struck during a Nato airstrike early on Monday (AP)

A UN fact-finding mission has reported that the part of Libya still under Muammar Gaddafi's control has been hit by shortages of food, cash and fuel despite a veneer of normalcy.

The United Nations issued a statement saying its week-long mission to Libya also identified rising food prices and a strained medical system as some of the challenges facing the government.

A rebellion that erupted against Gaddafi's rule in mid-February has descended into a civil war, with roughly half the country now outside government hands.

The UN has passed sanctions against Gaddafi's regime, making importing fuel and goods difficult.

At least 30 countries have recognised Libyan rebels as the country's legitimate representatives.

Latest News

Latest Sport

Latest Showbiz