France asks UN Security Council to refer Syrian war to International Criminal Court
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}France is asking the U.N. Security Council to refer Syria's civil war to the International Criminal Court in for investigation of possible crimes against humanity and war crimes.
A proposed resolution circulated to council members condemns the widespread violation of human rights and international humanitarian law by Syrian authorities, pro-government militias and "non-state armed groups" since March 2011, and calls for referral to the Netherlands-based tribunal.
The draft, obtained Monday by The Associated Press, notes statements by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that crimes against humanity and war crimes are likely to have been committed during the conflict.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Several diplomats say Russia, Syria's closest ally and a permanent council member, is likely to veto the resolution. The diplomats were speaking on condition of anonymity because the council has not yet discussed the draft.