Benghazi, Libya (CNN) — International pressure mounted against Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi today, a day after world leaders demanded action to stop a bloody crackdown on protesters in the north African nation.
U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon called for an effective solution to end the violence against anti-government protesters. A United Nations security panel was scheduled to meet this morning to discuss a draft resolution against Gadhafi, who is clinging to power despite protesters’ call for an end to his 42-year rule.
A Libyan envoy tearfully asked the United Nations Security Council to help end the bloodshed during a special session Friday.
More than 1 000 people have been killed in clashes in recent days, Ban estimated. He called for an immediate resolution to the crisis.
“In these circumstances, the loss of time means more loss of lives,” Ban told the 15-member security council.
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Ban also cited reports of security forces shooting civilians at homes and inside hospitals in the capital, Tripoli.
The capital is largely deserted because people are afraid of being shot by government forces or militias, witnesses said.
Security forces and protesters have clashed daily in at least three cities near the capital, according to Ban.
Human rights groups and witnesses have reported indiscriminate killings, shooting of peaceful demonstrators, torture of the opposition and use of foreign mercenaries, Ban said.
