Sydney (ANTARA News/AFP) - Australia said it will impose sanctions on the Libyan regime of Moamer Kadhafi, as it urged the United Nations to take "strong and decisive" action against the administration.

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said the Libyan regime`s use of violence against its people was "deeply disturbing and completely unacceptable".

"The time has come for Australia to reflect its grave concern by enacting these practical measures," he said in a statement released from Cairo late Saturday.

The travel and financial sanctions imposed by Australia will cover 22 figures in the Libyan regime, including Kadhafi and members of his family as well as senior military and security personnel.

The sanctions will prohibit these 22 from visiting or transiting in Australia or engaging in financial transactions with Australians. Australia will also impose an arms embargo on Libya.

Australia has pressed the UN Security Council to act against Tripoli.

"We are urging that the Security Council pass resolutions which enable the world to speak with one voice and to further isolate the Kadhafi regime," Prime Minister Julia Gillard said Sunday.

"Kadhafi is set on a murderous and violent path and the world does need to speak with one voice in absolute condemnation of this conduct."

Australia`s consular staff have been withdrawn from Tripoli and the government has concerns about one Australian who is being detained by Libyan security forces, Gillard said.
(Uu.H-AK)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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