Hillary Clinton calls for international action on Libya

Hillary Clinton has called on the international community to "speak with one voice" in seeking a resolution to the unrest in Libya.

The US secretary of state called on Libyan authorities to cease violent actions and welcomed a UN statement condemning the loss of life in the country.

Libyan ruler Col Muammar Gaddafi is battling to retain control of Tripoli and areas in western Libya as protesters consolidated gains in the east and foreigners continued to flee.

Much of the capital is deserted as pro-Gaddafi gunmen roam the streets, with reports of uprisings in western towns such as Misurata, Sabratha and Zawiya.