Libya calls for UN-supervised ceasefire

The new Libyan parliament, whose Speaker was chosen last week, has threatened to act against warring militias who don't abide by its call for an immediate cease-fire, which it says will be supervised by the United Nations.

The parliament's call is among its first since it convened in the eastern city of Tobruk, after violence swept through the capital, Tripoli, and Libya's second largest city of Benghazi.

In a statement obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday, the parliament called on "all warring parties without exception," to enact an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire, ending all violence and attacks on civilians and civilian areas."

The Libyan parliament also made changes to a previous constitutional declaration, giving itself more powers it said would help it rein in out-of-control militias.

It remains unclear how effective the parliament’s call is going to be, especially since militias have grown in power since the toppling of dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

The decision came as representatives of the governments of neighbouring Egypt and Algeria, as well as the United States, expressed "deep concern" about violence in Libya and possible regional repercussions.

The group urged for an immediate ceasefire and talks and expressed opposition to "outside interference in Libya's transition."