UN chief warns Libya crisis has entered “decisive phase”

As Libya's rebels consolidate their hold on the capital, Tripoli, the United Nations has called on the international community to work together to restore stability.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned the crisis has entered a "new and decisive phase."

He said there was an urgent need to end the conflict and improve security — including a smooth transition of leadership.

There are widespread shortages of fuel, food and medical supplies in many areas of the country and most of the capital, Tripoli, a city of 2 million, is without power or running water.

Ban said humanitarian assistance remained an urgent priority and said, over the longer term, there must be “early support for elections, transitional justice and policing, as well as assistance in social-economic recovery, rule of law and institution-building.”

The U.N. chief called for improved relations between the rebel National Transitional Council and the African Union, which has not recognise the rebels as Libya's legitimate government.

Meanwhile European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on Friday urged all sides in Libya to avoid reprisals.

Under UN leadership, we agreed to call on all parties to respect international humanitarian and international human rights obligations. There should be no reprisals.

Colonel Gaddafi must avoid further bloodshed by relinquishing power and calling on those forces that continue to fight to lay down their arms and protect civilians.

Fighting is continuing in the east of Tripoli, but the rebels say they now control most of the city.

Many residents on Friday visited mosques for the first Friday prayers since rebel assault on the capital.

According to Al Jazeera, rebels on Friday defeated forces loyal to Muammar al-Gaddafi at the Ras Ajdir border crossing with Tunisia, which should open much-needed supply routes to Tripoli.

(Read more on GlobalPost: Libya: Rebels negotiate Sirte surrender)