In a move aiming to overcome Russian and Chinese opposition, the new resolution drawn up by Britain, France, Germany and Portugal, with US backing, threatens to adopt sanctions if the deadly crackdown by Syrian security forces does not end.
The Security Council "demands an immediate end to all violence," according to a copy of the draft resolution obtained by AFP.
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The UN body "expresses its determination, in the event that Syria has not complied with this resolution, to adopt targeted measures, including sanctions," the draft adds.
European nations hope to speed up the debate on a response to President Bashar al-Assad's clampdown which the UN says has cost 2,700 lives.
Russia and China have threatened to veto any sanctions resolution brought to the 15-nation council, which has so far only agreed one statement on the crackdown since mid-March.
"There is a need for a strong Security Council response to the repression," said one European diplomat explaining the resolution.
"There are hopes that this resolution can quickly get a majority in favor on the council," said a diplomat from a second council member.
