The European Union has become the latest, and probably most significant, in a string of political organizations that recognize the new coalition of opposition groups in Syria as the legitimate representative of the country.
A statement from the 27 EU ministers on Monday welcomed the November 11 formation of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, but dances around calling it the sole legitimate political representative of Syria: “The EU considers them legitimate representatives of the aspirations of the Syrian people. This agreement represents a major step towards the necessary unity of the Syrian opposition”
France has made it clear it acknowledges the coalition as the only true representative of the nation-state of Syria and has encouraged other nations to do the same. “I think we will invite the Coalition leaders to our next meeting [in December]to allow them to talk to all of the foreign ministers, which will be highly symbolic,” said French foreign minister Laurent Fabius.
The new coalition, led by Ahmad Mouaz al-Khatib, will make Cairo its headquarters for the time being.
