International community set to punish Gaddafi regime

The US has announced sanctions against the Libyan government, as UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged the body's Security Council to take "decisive action" over the Libya crisis.

US President Barack Obama has signed an executive order blocking property and transactions related to the country.

The move blocks transactions involving assets of Muammar Gaddafi and several of his close associates.

Mr Ban said violations of human rights had been carried out by the regime, BBC reports.

In Libya on Friday, an anti-government demonstration in the capital Tripoli came under heavy gunfire. Around 1,000 protesters are though to have been killed by troops attempting to quell the insurrection.

"The Libyan government's continued violation of human rights, brutalization of its people, and outrageous threats have rightly drawn the strong and broad condemnation of the international community," said Mr Obama in a statement late on Friday.

"These sanctions therefore target the Gaddafi government, while protecting the assets that belong to the people of Libya."

Draft UN Security Council resolution on Libya is prepared by France and the UK.

Russia condemns Libyan authorities over its use of force against civilians, President Dmitry Medvedev said on Friday, according to RIA Novosti.

"Moscow is strongly concerned over events happening in Libya," Medvedev said. "The deepest regret is raised over numerous victims the media reports," he continued. "Russia condemns the use of force against the civilian population sanctioned by the country's leadership."

"We strongly urge the present government of Libya and all responsible political leaders of the country to show restraint in order to prevent further deterioration and destruction of civilians," the president said, adding: "Otherwise, such actions will be qualified as a crime under all the implications of international law."