UN chief Ban urges stable transition

Ban said the crisis had entered a "new and decisive phase" and said the emphasis must now be on ensuring there was a smooth transition of leadership.

Rebels say they have almost complete control of Tripoli, while fighting continues in the east.

There are widespread shortages of fuel, food and medical supplies.

Correspondents in Tripoli, the capital, say there has some fighting, mainly in and around the international airport, but say the city centre is mostly quiet.

On Friday, many people went to mosques across the capital for the first Friday prayers since rebels took the city.

The city is suffering from widespread power cuts and almost no running water, but some police are returning to the streets and shops are starting to re-open.

Most immediately, we have asked for urgent humanitarian assistance, particularly as it relates to medical aid and basic public services Speaking after a UN meeting in New York, Mr Ban said there was an "urgent need to put an end to the conflict and restore order and stability".

"Most immediately, we have asked for urgent humanitarian assistance, particularly as it relates to medical aid and basic public services, including water and sanitation and education. "Somewhat longer-term, they have placed special emphasis on early support for elections, transitional justice and policing, as well as assistance in social-economic recovery, rule of law and institution-building," he said. The UN chief also urged better relations between Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC) and the African Union, which has so far refused to recognise them as the legitimate government. Ban said the international community should also be prepared to support Libyan police capacity, "bearing in mind that the country is awash with small arms".

Hurricane Irene: Obama warns of 'historic' storm

President Barack Obama has warned that Hurricane Irene, currently looming off the east coast of the US, could be a "historic" storm.

Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in parts of four states, and in low-lying areas of New York City.

Seven states from North Carolina to Connecticut have declared emergencies ahead of Irene's arrival. The category two storm has weakened a little yet is expected to make landfall with winds of up to 100mph (155km/h).Irene, which has already caused havoc in the Caribbean, is expected to hit the coast of North Carolina on Saturday before barrelling northwards towards Washington and New York City a day later.