United States Recognises Syrian Opposition Group

"We've made a decision that the Syrian Opposition Coalition is now inclusive enough, is reflective and representative enough of the Syrian population that we consider them the legitimate representative of the Syrian people in opposition to the Assad regime," Obama said.

"It's a big step," Obama said of the decision. The United States follows Britain and the European Union, both of which last month recognised the Syrian opposition group.

The 4th Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of the Syrian People, wis being held today in Marrakesh, aims to mobilise support for the Syrian Opposition to President Assad.The move by the United States was tobe announced by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Marrakesh but she was unable to make the trip due to illness.She is representd by William Burns US Deputy Secretary of State. The President's decision is likely to facilitate the efforts of the Group of Friends of Syria under the chairmanship of Morocco  to assist  the Syrian National Coalition of the Revolution Forces and the Opposition (CNS) to achieve a political transition in Syria.