US Approves ‘Diplomatic Mission’ for Syrian Opposition: More $27M Assistance

Local Editor

The US gave approval for the so-called "Syrian National Coalition" [SNC] to open a formal diplomatic mission in Washington, adding that it would also increase nonlethal assistance to the opposition by $27 million.

State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said the representative offices of the coalition would now be considered a "foreign mission" under US law.
Jarba said in a statement that, "This is an important step in the path toward a new Syria, its recognition on the international stage, and its relations with Syrian nationals in the US."
The steps announced by the State Department give the SNC's offices in Washington and New York formal diplomatic status.

The steps also boost total US assistance to the opposition to $287 million since the conflict began three years ago.
In addition to the new $27 million in aid to the opposition council, the department also said it would step up deliveries of nonlethal assistance to moderate commanders in the so-called "Free Syrian Army" [FSA].
Jarba will be accompanied on his eight-day trip by the new chief of staff of the FSA, Brig. Gen. Abdel-Ilah Bashir, his office said last week.
"He will meet US officials to discuss the supply of sophisticated weapons to the ‘FSA' to enable it to change the balance on the ground," his office said.

US officials on a conference call with reporters refused to be drawn on the type of nonlethal aid or weapons being supplied by Washington.

The move came as an anticipated deal to see militants exit the city of Homs was pushed back by another day due to logistical details, according to the governor of the province, the Daily Star reported.
Jarba is scheduled to meet with US Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday.

The Obama administration had recognized the opposition group in December 2012.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team