The U.S. has decided to support the creation of a United Nations commission to look into alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma.

The White House said in a statement Wednesday that it believes the commission could advance the cause of human rights in Burma, also known as Myanmar, by "addressing issues of accountability for responsible senior members of the Burmese regime."

The United States is almost certain to face opposition from China, a close ally of Burma, if it seeks to have the UN Security Council establish a commission.

It could also ask UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to do so or go to the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council or the Geneva-based Human Rights Council, where no country has a veto.

By supporting the UN inquiry, the Obama administration is committing itself to backing an investigation of the military junta, led since 1992 by Senior Gen. Than Shwe.

Than Shwe's loyalists overturned election results in 1990 that favoured the political party of democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi, who was placed under house arrest by the military regime in 1989, the same year the junta changed the country's name from Burma to Myanmar.

Suu Kyi, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 while in detention, remains under house arrest.

'Clear message' from U.S. about 'sham' elections: activist

Burma is holding elections — the first in two decades — Nov. 7, but critics say they are a sham designed to perpetuate the military's commanding role in politics.

Aung Din, executive director of the Washington-based U.S. Campaign for Burma, called the Obama administration's move "the right and timely action."

In a statement issued Wednesday, Din said members of the junta "are expecting to delete their dirty crimes by putting a sham constitution into effect through a sham election."

"This is a clear message that the United States will not recognize their showcase election and will make them accountable for their horrible abuses against their own citizens," Din said.

The Obama administration entered office intending to shift the country's course on Burma. Pro-democracy and human rights groups have urged the UN Security Council to impose an arms embargo on Burma's military regime and establish a commission of inquiry into crimes against humanity.

They fear a humanitarian crisis may develop along the border with Thailand, where the Burmese military has been fighting ethnic Karens, pushing thousands of refugees across the border.

Karen National Union fighters have been battling for half a century for greater autonomy from Burma's central government.