ICRC Seeks Access to All of Libya as Conflict Intensifies
A rebel walks with his rocket propelled grenade launcher during clashes with pro-Moammar Gadhafi forces between Ras Lanuf and Bin Jawad, March 9, 2011
The International Committee of the Red Cross is appealing for access to all areas of conflict in Libya as fighting intensifies.
The president of the ICRC, Jakob Kellenberger, says the conflict in Libya has descended into civil war.
He says he is alarmed by the intensification of the fighting and mounting casualties. He says there are reports as many as 2,000 people have been wounded.
While these figures are unconfirmed, he says local doctors have seen a sharp increase in the number of casualties arriving at hospitals in Ajdabiya and Misrata.
These opposition strongholds have come under attack by government forces in recent days. The ICRC president says civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence.
He says he believes many people in western Libya are more severely affected by the fighting than those in the east. But, he adds, the ICRC has no access to the areas controlled by the Libyan government. So, it cannot assess the humanitarian needs.
“I have been told that everything is under control, that all the hospitals are working perfectly and there is no need for any external humanitarian assistance," said Kellenberger. "That is what we are being told. And, we are worried. We would like to assess this ourselves, this situation.”
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