France recognises new Syrian opposition coalition

France says will study arming Syria rebels once govt formed.


Reuters November 13, 2012

PARIS, FRANCE: France said on Tuesday it recognises Syria's newly formed opposition coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people, becoming the first European nation to do so.

Syrian opposition groups struck a deal in Doha on Sunday to form a broad coalition to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad after 20 months of an uprising against his rule.

"I announce today that France recognises the Syrian National Council as the sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people and as future government of a democratic Syria allowing to bring an end to Bashar al-Assad's regime," Hollande told a news conference in Paris.

Arming Syria rebels

French President Francois Hollande also said on Tuesday that Paris would look at the question of arming the Syrian National Council once it had created a transitional government.

"On the question of weapons deliveries, France did not support it as long as it wasn't clear where these weapons went," Hollande said.

"With the coalition, as soon as it is a legitimate government of Syria, this question will be looked at by France, but also by all countries that recognise this government."

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