Libya's provisional government fighters and elders from the tribe of former leader Moammar Gadhafi are trying to negotiate a truce that would allow safe passage for families trying to leave the besieged city of Sirte, Mr. Gadhafi's hometown.

A National Transitional Council commander said Tuesday that the two sides are trying to agree on a plan that would allow the remaining families to leave. He said fighters were also trying to negotiate a cease-fire with pro-Gadhafi forces in the city.

NTC fighters have been tightening their siege on Sirte, one of the few remaining strongholds for Mr. Gadhafi's supporters.

Anti-Gadhafi troops raced through the city's eastern outskirts Monday while NATO jets bombed loyalist positions for the third consecutive day.

NTC fighters distributed food and water to fleeing families as scores of civilians in cars laden with personal belongings exited the city. The fighters checked names of people against lists of suspected Gadhafi loyalists. Some were detained.

In New York Monday, Libya's interim prime minister asked the United Nations Security Council to lift remaining sanctions on his country. Mahmoud Jibril told the council that sanctions are hindering the NTC's ability to provide basic services to citizens.

The Security Council already has unfrozen $16 billion in Libyan assets, and the NTC hopes to gain access to more funds that remain locked.