The UN Security Council may adopt sanctions against Libya aimed at stopping the bloodshed in the country on Saturday, Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti of Brazil, which holds the monthly presidency of the 15-member body for February, said Friday.

The Council agreed to meet Saturday to urgently consider a draft resolution, "including specific targeted measures aimed at putting an end to violence, helping achieve a peaceful solution to the current crisis, ensuring accountability and respecting the will of the Libyan people," Viotti told journalists.

According to international organizations, at least 2,000 people have been killed and thousands wounded in clashes with government forces since protests against longtime Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime began on February 15.

French Ambassador Gerard Araud, who spoke after Viotti, told journalists that the sanctions resolution could be adopted on Saturday afternoon, and that Security Council members in general have no differences on its contents.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the Security Council on Friday to promptly consider specific steps against Gaddafi's government for its clampdown on protesters, with options ranging from sanctions to assured punishment.

"In these circumstances, the loss of time means more loss of lives," Ban told the Council during a meeting on peace and security in Africa. "It is time for the Security Council to consider concrete action."

"Some member states are calling for a comprehensive arms embargo, while others highlight the clear and egregious violations of human rights and urge the Security Council to take effective action to ensure real accountability," the UN said on its website.

"The hours and the days ahead will be decisive for Libyans and their country, with equally important implications for the wider region," Ban said.

"The statements and actions of the Security Council are eagerly awaited and will be closely followed throughout the region. Whatever your course, let us be mindful of the urgency of the moment," he said.

Libya's top prosecutor, Abdul-Rahman al-Abbar, has followed suit of other officials in the troubled country and resigned to join the opposition against the long-time dictator.

The dictator's cousin and close aide, Ahmed Gadhaf al-Dam, defected to Egypt on Thursday in protest against the brutal treatment of demonstrators