Military action against Libya will come "within hours" and France will participate in the move, French government spokesman Francois Baroin told local media Friday morning.

The statement came only hours after the UN Security Council adopted a resolution to authorize intervention, including a no-fly zone over the country.

"The military strikes against (Moammar) Gaddafi will take place quickly," Baroin, who is also the budget minister, told RTL radio.

He said France, who led the calls for action, would "of course" be involved in the military operation.

Baroin also said the operation was aimed at protecting Libyan civilians, ruling out any occupation of Libyan territory.

Referring to the UN resolution, he said it was "a quite important step" in dealing with the unrest in Libya.

The UN Security Council on Thursday adopted a resolution to authorize a no-fly zone over Libya and called for "all necessary measures," excluding troops on the ground, to protect civilians under threat of attack in the North African country.