Melbourne:
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard is disgusted by the attacks on war graves of Australian soldiers in Libya and has demanded that perpetrators be punished.
"I was disgusted by the attack on Australian war graves. We need to see that investigation come to conclusion because wrongdoers here should be identified and should face appropriate punishments", an AAP report quoted the Prime Minister as saying.
"Libyan authorities should also co-operate with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission so they can restore the "sacred" place to its proper condition, she said.
Local reports claimed the group were Islamists angered by the recent burning of a Quran at a NATO military base in Afghanistan.
Acting Foreign Minister Craig Emerson earlier confirmed Australian graves were among 198 damaged at the Commonwealth Benghazi War Cemetery last month.
"I'm sad to advise Australian headstones were desecrated along with many others," Emerson said.
More than 1200 Commonwealth troops, who died in the north African desert battles of World War II, are buried in the Benghazi cemetery in the east of Libya.
There are 55 Australian graves in Benghazi, 48 of which are identified and seven unidentified.