(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-02-04 09:30

United Nations - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday called for an immediate end to fighting in Chad.

The secretary-general "is profoundly alarmed by the dangerous situation in Chad, particularly in light of heavy fighting in several parts of the capital city, N'Djamena," said a statement issued by Ban's press office.

"He is particularly concerned at the deterioration of the serious humanitarian situation of some 285,000 refugees and 180,000 internally displaced persons," it said.

"The secretary-general further calls on all parties to immediately cease hostilities and engage in dialogue so as to prevent further bloodshed," it noted.

The UN chief also urged all parties to ensure the safety and security of all civilians as well as international humanitarian workers and UN staff in Chad," it said.

"He appeals to all countries in the region to respect the inviolability of international borders and to prevent any incursions from being launched from within their territory," it added.

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council began in late Sunday afternoon an emergency session to discuss the situation in Chad, where government forces have been battling rebels for control of the capital N'Djamena since Saturday.