WASHINGTON
US President Barack Obama announced that US officially recognized the National Coalition for Syrian Opposition and Revolutionary Forces as the sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people.
In an interview on Tuesday with ABC News, Obama said "We have 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."
Obama said "it was a big step" and brought new responsibilities to the coalition. He said the coalition should shape itself effectively, be the representative of all parties, and dedicate itself to a political change that respects women's and minorities' rights.
"There is a small element of those that oppose the current regime, that in fact are affiliated with al-Qaeda in Iraq and we have designated them, al-Nusra, as a terrorist organization," Obama said in the interview.
Obama's decision was expected to increase the support of the US aid and provide psychological advantage to the coalition.
Turkey, Britain, France and the Gulf Cooperation Council also have recognized the coalition.
