You're reading: France criticizes UN inaction on Syria

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe says it's "inconceivable" that the U.N. Security Council is remaining silent when repression in Syria is getting worse and massacres are increasing.

France, Britain, Germany and Portugal have circulated a draft resolution that would condemn Syria for its killing and torture of peaceful protesters and demand an immediate end to the violence.

But veto-wielding Russia has voiced opposition.

Juppe told reporters after a council meeting Tuesday on HIV/AIDS that supporters are waiting for as large a majority as possible in the 15-member council before bringing the resolution to a vote, "and I think it’s a question of days, maybe hours."

He said there should be a vote "so that everyone can assume their responsibilities."