UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Nearly 60 countries urged the U.N. Security Council on Monday to refer the war in Syria to the International Criminal Court for investigation of possible crimes against humanity and war crimes.

France, which drafted the resolution, has called for a vote Thursday and Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin has already said Moscow — Syria’s closest ally — opposes the measure, which means an almost certain veto. China, which also supports President Bashar Assad’s government and has joined Russia in vetoing three previous Syria resolutions, could make it a fourth double veto.

Recommended Stories

Syrian forces, rebels in major Damascus clashes

Thousands flee as Syrian rebels wage guerrilla war

Red Cross declares Syrian conflict to be civil war