Pro-Gaddafi forces block rebels 

(Headline)

Deck

The BBC's John Simpson came under fire as he travelled to Bin Jawad from Ras Lanuf

Introduction (who,what,where,when)

Libyan government forces are advancing towards the oil port of Ras Lanuf, checking the rebels' westward progress, BBC correspondents say.

Most important detaile 

Bin Jawad, 50km (30 miles) from Ras Lanuf, has now fallen to forces loyal to Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi.

The UN has named a former Jordanian foreign minister as its envoy to Libya, where the anti-Gaddafi revolt is now well into its third week.

Further important details

Almost 200,000 people have now fled the violence in Libya, the UN says.

It is launching an appeal for $162m (£99m) to help 600,000 people within Libya who are expected to need humanitarian aid, in addition to a projected total of 400,000 leaving the country in the short term.