UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on Thursday for a redoubling of diplomatic efforts to bring peace to Somalia.

    At his first formal press conference since assuming office 10 days ago, Ban said he was closely following the situation in Somalia and was concerned about "the possibility of impact on civilians and the reported loss of civilians (in air strikes launched by the United States there)."

    "I believe that we must make every effort to protect civilians and be cautious of other, unintended consequences in this situation," the UN chief said.

    "It is in the best interests of all to go back to a political, negotiated process in this matter," Ban added.

    Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman confirmed on Tuesday that a USAir Force AC-130 on Sunday targeted what was believed to be "principal al-Qaida leadership" in southern Somalia but declined to discuss damage assessments.

    There were reports that many civilians were killed or wounded in the assaults.

    Ban said Francois Lonseny Fall, his special representative for Somalia, was closely discussing the matter with the parties concerned.

    In Nairobi, Fall welcomed what was described as positive outcome of Wednesday's talks between Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf and former presidents Abdikassim Salad Hassan and Ali Mahdi.

    "This is a hopeful sign and an important step towards reconciliation in Somalia. I would strongly encourage them to move forward and to continue to reach out to all those in Somalia who have a stake in the country's peace and stability," Fall said.