Libyan militias agree to ceasefire in Tripoli

The United Nations on Tuesday said rival Libyan militias in the capital Tripoli had agreed to a ceasefire after a week of fighting in which at least 50 people were killed.

"The agreement ... comprises an immediate cessation of hostilities and a mechanism to monitor infractions," the UN's mission to Libya, UNSMIL, said in a statement.

The agreement should also ensure the reopening of Tripoli's Mitiga airport and "all roads in and out of the capital," UNSMIL said.

Libya has descended into chaos since a 2011 uprising that turned into an armed conflict.

It is currently split between two rival governments: one in Tripoli and the other in the eastern city of Tobruk.

Clashes began in southern Tripoli on August 27. According to figures from the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), around 1,825 families have fled their homes to other areas in the capital or other cities.

Tuesday's agreement was signed by representatives of the GNA as well as military commanders and the leaders of armed groups in and around Tripoli.

The United States, France, Britain and Italy welcomed the agreement in a joint statement.

"We reiterate our strong support for Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General Ghassan Salame as he works to realise an immediate and durable cessation of hostilities in the Libyan capital," they said.    (dpa)