The Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed its concern Saturday over clashes and the escalation of violence in the Libyan capital of Tripoli and called for a nationwide ceasefire.

In a statement released on the ministry's website, the MFA "called on all Libyans to refrain from resorting to violent actions that will damage the security and stability of the country and its capital in particular."

The statement said the only way to settle differences of views in Libya is through dialogue and conciliation.

On Friday, forces loyal to the UN-backed unity government battled militias in the capital Tripoli.

The Health Ministry gave a provisional toll of 28 dead and more than 100 wounded, while loyalist forces said 52 of their fighters had been killed in the battles that rocked residential areas.