Libyan rebels retreat to new frontline, UN appoints envoy

In Libya, residents of an eastern rebel town Ras Lanuf fled Monday, fearing an attack by supporters loyal to leader Moamer Kadhafi. Meanwhile the United Nations has appointed a new envoy to Libya.► Opposition denies pro-Kadhafi forces recapture several Libyan towns

Reuters

Ras Lanuf, an oil town, is the new front line after the rebels suffered defeat in the coastal hamlet of Bin Jawad, further west.

Over the weekend, rebels pulled back from Bin Jawad, which was occupied on Saturday, after clashes left seven dead and around 50 wounded.

Residents of Ras Lanuf were seen fleeing eastward in cars towards Brega, which was captured by rebels last week.

Staff at a local hotel said people were clearing the town "because they heard there would be a battle."

The developments come as loyalist forces on Sunday thwarted a rebel advance on Kadhafi's hometown of Sirte.

The Libyan leader has accused France of interference in Libya's internal affairs and blamed Al-Qaeda for the unrest rocking the country.

The UN is demanding urgent access to Libya’s civilian population, with untold reports of injuries.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon said Kadhafi's foreign minister agreed to let a "humanitarian assessment" team visit Tripoli, and he named former Jordanian foreign minister Abdelilah al-Khatib to undertake "urgent consultations".

"People are injured and dying and need help immediately," said UN emergency relief coordinator Valerie Amos. "I call on the authorities to provide access without delay to allow aid workers to help save lives."

Residents of Misrata, strategically located between the capital Tripoli and Sirte, said government tanks were shelling the town and warned of "carnage" if the international community did not intervene.

Washington is coming under mounting pressure to arm the rebels amid charges the administration of President Barack Obama missed chances to oust Libya's strongman in the early days of the popular uprising.