Although an agreement is still far from being concluded, the beginning of a negotiation process is underway over conflict-torn Libya, Lynn Pascoe, who is the UN's under secretary-general for political affairs, said on Monday.

"The nascent negotiation process must be given space to grow and bear fruit," Pascoe said while briefing a Security Council meeting on Libya. He urged the international community to deliver a consistent, clear and coherent message of a political solution to both parties.

The Council's meeting came almost five months after the political crisis in Libya started and three months since the passage of Security Council resolution 1973 -- which authorized military intervention in Libya.

In his speech, the envoy also underlined that "the goal of the current international efforts in Libya is to protect civilians."

"We must ensure that the basic rights and freedoms of the Libyan people are fully respected and protected and that their legitimate aspirations are met," Pascoe said.

He also expressed concern over the continuing reports about civilian casualties resulting from attacks from government forces, military actions by opposition forces or NATO.

"Every effort must be made to avoid exposing civilians to risk," he said.

Pascoe also added that early preparations for post-conflict peace-building and peace consolidation must be a clear part of the planning.

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