GENEVA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Switzerland has called on all parties to the Libyan conflict to put an end to military operations and guarantee a truce to allow humanitarian operations to proceed and for universal support of a political solution.
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement released Wednesday and posted on its website that it is "gravely concerned" about the military escalation following an attack launched by the Libyan National Army on April 4 and the subsequent fighting around Tripoli.
"Switzerland is also particularly concerned about the situation of the migrants held in detention centers near to combat zones and calls for every effort to be made on all sides to ensure their safety and protection," said the statement.
More than 100 people have lost their lives, and thousands more have been forced to flee.
The center of the Libyan capital came under rocket fire last night. At least six civilians died as a result of the attack.
Switzerland also called on all parties to meet their obligations under international humanitarian law and to ensure the protection of the civilian population.
The foreign ministry condemned the use of heavy artillery by all parties, and particularly the bombardments that have hit medical and educational facilities in recent days.
It reiterated that targeting civilian facilities is a severe violation of international humanitarian law.
"Switzerland is also particularly concerned about the situation of the migrants held in detention centers near to combat zones and calls for every effort to be made on all sides to ensure their safety and protection," said the statement.
"A peaceful transition in Libya can only be achieved through dialogue and an inclusive political solution," said the statement.
The Swiss foreign ministry said, therefore, it calls on all parties to support the efforts of the United Nations and the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in Libya Ghassan Salame to seek a political solution.
It called on all members of the international community to join in unified, consistent support for the political process and to reject a military solution.
Switzerland said it remains active in Libya through peacebuilding and humanitarian aid efforts, in addition to migration-related projects it has humanitarian commitments, and supports the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross and organizations active around the country.
