CAIRO, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul-Gheit on Tuesday called for all parties in western Libya to de-escalate and resolve differences through dialogue, pointing out that the use of violence will only deepen divisions.

In a statement, he expressed great concern over the escalating tension in western Libya, especially regarding the mobilization of military forces near the capital, Tripoli.

Aboul-Gheit emphasized that the Arab League is closely monitoring the situation, adding that the escalation could put the country at risk of sliding back into a cycle of conflict.

The Arab League chief urged all parties to engage seriously in negotiation tracks, affirming the Arab League's readiness to continue promoting intra-Libyan dialogue in cooperation with regional and international partners.

The statement was made amid increasing security tensions around Tripoli since last week, when limited clashes reportedly erupted in some areas of the capital. These clashes have resulted in a military buildup near the city.

Earlier on Tuesday, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya said it is "gravely alarmed by reports of rapidly escalating tensions and military mobilization, which could lead to armed confrontation."

Tripoli has seen recurrent outbreaks of violence recently, including major clashes in mid-May between forces loyal to the UN-recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) and the Stability Support Apparatus, a heavily-armed faction with influence in the capital.

Libya has remained divided since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi. The country is currently split between two rival administrations: the GNU in Tripoli and an eastern-based government backed by the Libyan National Army under commander Khalifa Haftar. ■