UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Thursday called for a "political" solution and immediate ceasefire to the conflict in Libya, at an international conference hosted by the Arab League in Cairo.

"We call for a political process so that the Libyan people can reach their aspirations," Ban Ki-Moon, who co-chaired the meeting, told a news conference at the end of the gathering.

"We reiterate our call for a immediate ceasefire," said the UN secretary general.

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who also attended the Cairo conference, appealed to Libyan leader Muammer Gaddafi  to resign with immediate effect. "The European Union's position is very clear, Colonel Gaddafi should step down immediately," she said.