United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday called on the Libyan authorities and factions in the Libyan city of Bani Walid to resolve the standoff peacefully.

In a statement released by his spokesperson's office, Ban said he is alarmed by the fighting in and around Bani Walid, and in particular the reports indicating growing civilian casualties due to indiscriminate shelling.

He reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law and called on the Libyan authorities and those in Bani Walid to begin immediately a process to resolve the standoff peacefully.