West Calls for Peaceful Transition in Libya

Western powers on Friday appealed for a peaceful transition in Libya, voicing alarm over the chaos and violence a month before elections.

Britain, France and the United States -- the three powers who led the 2011 attacks that ousted strongman Moammar Gadhafi -- urged a "peaceful and democratic" transition in a joint statement also signed by Germany, Italy and the European Union.

The Western powers, "deeply concerned by the repeated acts of violence, call on all sides to refrain from the use of force and to address differences by political means," the statement said.

"Persistent divisions amongst Libyans will gravely challenge the ability of the international community to assist Libya," it warned.

Libya holds elections on June 25 in an effort to resolve a power struggle and end the instability that has plagued the nation since Gadhafi's ouster.

On Sunday, forces that support ex-general Khalifa Haftar attacked and set fire to part of the legislative General National Council in Tripoli.

The United States has offered to support the conduct of the elections.