The UN Security Council voted unanimously Saturday night to impose sanctions on Libya's Muammar Gaddafi regime over excessive use of force in dealing with the civil rebellion.

The Council decided on arms embargo, asset freeze and referring Gaddafi to the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity.

In a letter sent to the Council, the Libyan delegation at the UN declared support for the measures.

The US has already imposed sanctions against Libya, and closed its embassy in Tripoli. US President Barack Obama has said the Libyan leader should step down and leave the country immediately.

Australia announced sanctions on 22 individuals close to Gaddafi's, banning financial transactions and their entry to Australia.

Discussions on forming a transitional government are reportedly underway.

Libya's privately-owned Quryna newspaper quotes Mustafa Abdel-Jalil, who resigned as justice minister in protest against authorities' violence in dealing with the demonstrators, saying a body of military and civilian figures would prepare for elections within three months.

BBC reports that Libya's ambassadors to the United States and UN have both voiced their support for the plan, which was being discussed in the rebel-controlled eastern town of Benghazi.

On Friday Gaddafi, remaining defiant, addressed supporters in Tripoli amidst reports of government troops and pro-Gaddafi militiamen opening fire at demonstrators in several areas of the city.

On Saturday, one of Col Gaddafi's sons, Saif al-Islam, insisted that normal life was continuing in three-quarters of Libya while anti-Gaddafi forces say they control 80% of the country.

Also on Saturday, the capital city was calm, with shops open, people on the streets, and Gaddafi's supporters occupying central Green Square in a public show of support, according to information from BBC.

Meanwhile, thousands of foreign nationals, including Bulgarians, continue to be evacuated from the country by air, sea and land.

Most of the foreigners in Libya work in the oil industry.

The UN estimates more than 1 000 people have died in the last 10 days since the uprising broke.

The global body's World Food Program warns Libyans will run out of food soon since the food distribution system is "at risk of collapsing."