"The European Union fully endorses this resolution and will implement the restrictive measures as a matter of urgency," she said, adding that the EU had already started to work on restrictive measures such as assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.

"Formal adoption will take place as soon as possible to ensure full and immediate implementation," said Ashton.

The resolution shows that "what is taking place in Libya will not be tolerated by the international community. It shows that the international community is united in its efforts to stop the atrocities taking place in Libya," she added.

The UN Security Council unanimously adopted the resolution imposing sanctions on Libya, including an arms embargo against the country and a travel ban and asset freeze against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and his key family members.