United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed concern over the rising number of civilian casualties in Libya’s ongoing conflict between rebel fighters and government loyalists. In a statement the secretary-general called on all sides to "exercise extreme caution in their actions, in order to minimize any further loss of civilian life." Ban also said that "a ceasefire linked to a political process" is the only viable means to achieve peace in Libya. Radio Sawa quoted Ban Ki-moon as saying hat he was convinced that there is no military solution to the crisis Libya adding that a cease-fire coupled with a political process that meets the aspirations of the Libyan people are the only viable means to achieve peace and security in Libya.