US declares support for united Syrian opposition

The United States late Sunday declared its support for the united Syrian opposition after various groups opposed to the government of President Bashar al-Assad decided to come together following talks in Doha, Qatar. "We look forward to supporting the National Coalition as it charts a course toward the end of Assad's bloody rule and the start of the peaceful, just, democratic future that all the people of Syria deserve," State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement. In a copy of the document obtained by AFP, the opposition parties agreed to work "for the fall of the regime and of all its symbols and pillars," and rule out any dialogue with Assad's government. They agreed to unify the fighting forces under a supreme military council and to set up a national judicial commission for rebel-held areas. A provisional government would be formed after the coalition gains international recognition, and a transitional government after the regime has fallen. Toner said the United States congratulated the opposition groups on their achievement and thanked the government of Qatar for its support. "We will work with the National Coalition to ensure that our humanitarian and non-lethal assistance serves the needs of the Syrian people," he said.