The US on Thursday asked the UN Security Council to permit releasing of 1.5 billion dollars in frozen Libyan assets to be used for humanitarian aid in the strife-torn country. The aid is aimed at helping Libya's National Transitional Council, NTC, deliver emergency and health services to the people. However, South Africa had blocked an initial request by the US to release aid saying sanctions imposed on Libya should not be eased until the African Union recognises NTC as the Libyan government.