THE United Nations has reached an agreement with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's government on humanitarian aid to the country.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said last night that the UN would set up a humanitarian presence in the Libyan capital, Tripoli. However, Libyan government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said the agreement also included setting up a humanitarian corridor to the city of Misrata, the last rebel stronghold in western Libya.

Medics try to save a combatant.

Misrata has been besieged by Gaddafi forces for more than 50 days, with rebels clinging to positions near the port.

The street that leads to the port is known as the ''road of death''. Dozens have been killed there as Colonel Gaddafi's forces battle to retake the area's only lifeline.