UN chief Ban Ki-moon today called for a ceasefire by Muammar Gaddafi's forces and Libyan rebels ahead of an expected offensive against the opposition capital of Benghazi, a UN spokesman said.

Ban "is gravely concerned about the increasing military escalation by government forces, which include indications of an assault on the city of Benghazi," said spokesman Martin Nesirky.

"A campaign to bombard such an urban center would massively place civilian lives at risk. The secretary general is urging all parties in this conflict to accept an immediate ceasefire and to abide by Security Council resolution 1970."

The resolution, passed on February 26, called for an end to Gaddafi's onslaught against opponents and imposed sanctions against his regime.

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