The Syrian Opposition Coalition has gained formal recognition from the United States. The announcement was made by President Obama during an interview with ABC News's Barbara Walters

President Obama called the coalition the legitimate representative of the people and announced, “We made a decision that the Syrian opposition coalition is now inclusive enough, is reflective and representative enough of the Syrian population.” The announcement does not mean that the United States intends to supply anything other than the non-lethal and humanitarian aid already being sent to the Syrian people.

Other countries such as Britain, France, Turkey as well as the regional group the Gulf Cooperation Council have already given the coalition recognition.

The Kremlin quickly lashed out at the United States for its decision to recognise the Syrian opposition. Russia said that the decision to do so runs counter to the previous agreements made over that war-torn country in June’s Geneva Declaration. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the declaration by the president shows clearly that the United States favors the opposition.