France's foreign minister says it is “inconceivable” that the United Nations Security Council has remained silent on the escalating situation in Syria.

Alain Juppe told reporters at the U.N. Tuesday that France is working with Britain and other European allies to gather a large majority to support a resolution condemning Syria for its violence against civilians. He said they would set a date to vote on the issue in “days, maybe hours.”

Diplomats say they feel they have secured a large enough majority to pass the resolution, but they fear it may be vetoed by Russia or China.

Meanwhile, Syrian residents in a town near the Turkish border are bracing for possible violence after the government pledged a forceful response to what it called a massacre of security forces.

Government officials said Monday that armed gangs had killed 120 law enforcement officers during clashes over the past few days in Jisr al-Shughour.

However, opposition activists dispute the casualty count and say the government's accusations may serve as an excuse for a new military crackdown in the region. The killings could not be independently confirmed because foreign journalists are not allowed in Syria.

The region near the Turkish border has become a flash point in the anti-government uprising. Protesters have been calling for an end to President Bashar al-Assad's 11-year authoritarian rule.

Rights groups say at least 1,100 people have been killed in the government's crackdown against the anti-government campaign that began in March. More than 10,000 have been arrested.

In London, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Mr. Assad needs to “reform or step aside.” U.S. President Barack Obama and his administration have made similar statements urging the the leader to transition to democracy or “get out.”