"They reiterated their demand for lifting sieges imposed by Libyan government forces on those cities and for a quick ceasefire there," a statement quoted UN envoy to Libya Abdel Elah Al Khatib as saying.
"They described the various aspects of the situation and pointed out sufferings and hardships endured by some Libyan cities and towns," the envoy added.
His comments coincided with a 24-hour visit by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to Tunisia.
Khatib held his first meeting with leaders of the Libyan rebellion in the eastern Libyan city of Tobruk Monday "to listen to their views and positions on the situation in Libya," the UN statement said.
The UN envoy, whose mission started earlier this month, added that Libyan opposition leaders specifically wanted to see an end to the use of tanks and heavy weaponry and to the targeting of civilians by government forces.
Khatib reiterated to the Libyan rebel leaders calls by Ban and the UN Security Council "for a solution to the crisis that responds to the legitimate demands of the Libyan people."
In Tobruk, Khatib met with the chairman of Libya`s transitional national council, Mustafa Abdel Jalil, and other members of the council.
Last week, Khatib was in Tripoli for talks with high-level government officials.
Ban arrived in Tunis late Monday to meet Tunisia`s transitional authorities, after making a detour via Europe to avoid the conflict zone in neighbouring Libya.
During his visit, the UN boss is to meet Tunisian interim President Foued Mebazaa and interim Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebsi, as well as members of the high commission responsible for drawing up a new electoral code for Tunisians to vote for a constituent assembly on July 24.
Last week, the UN Security Council authorized an international military campaign to impose a no-fly zone on Libya and protect Libyan civilians from Kadhafi`s forces trying to snuff out a popular revolt.
Tuesday, Western forces taking part in the UN-mandated military operation pounded Kadhafi strongholds for a fourth straight day, while doubts grew over where the campaign is leading.
US officials said the attacks should diminish after the success of the first strikes but the no-fly zone would be widened.(*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
