Obama recognises Syria opposition

Did Obama just implicitly declare war on Assad? - R.O.

Obama recognises Syria opposition
The US has formally recognised Syria's opposition rebel coalition as the "legitimate representative" of the Syrian people, says President Obama.
Speaking to ABC News in the US, Mr Obama said the coalition was now "inclusive enough, is reflective and representative enough".

He described the move - already made by the UK and the EU - as "a big step".
Activists say some 40,000 people have died in more than 18 months of battle against President Bashar al-Assad.
Mr Obama said the emerging coalition had earned the right to represent the Syrian people, but issued a note of caution as well.

"Obviously, with that recognition comes responsibilities," Mr Obama said.
"To make sure that they organise themselves effectively, that they are representative of all the parties, [and] that they commit themselves to a political transition that respects women's rights and minority rights."

Recognition does not mean the US will begin arming rebel groups, but officials told ABC that might be approved if it was thought to help achieve a political solution in Syria.

The Syrian conflict is the bloodiest and most bitterly fought of the Middle East and north African revolts that have become known as the Arab Spring.
The uprisings began two years ago with a revolt in Tunisia, and saw long-serving leaders in Egypt and Libya toppled from power.
BBC © 2012

Turkey 'fires over Syrian border' - BBC News

Is this a prelude to war? Will NATO defend Turkey if there's an outbreak of hostilities? Serious questions need to be asked. -R.O.

Turkey 'fires over Syrian border'
6 October, 2012 1:51 AM

Turkey has fired into Syria for a fourth day after a Syrian mortar landed near a Turkish village, reports say.

Turkish troops responded immediately after the mortar landed near the village of Guvecci in Hatay province, according to Turkey's Anadolu Agency.

Turkey has been firing into Syria since Syrian mortar fire killed five Turkish civilians on Wednesday.

It was the first time Turkey has taken military action across the border since the Syrian uprising began.

Early on Saturday, the Anadolu Agency said the Syrian mortar had landed over the border during intense fighting between government troops and rebels in Syria's Idlib province.

The rebels are fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government in an uprising that began in March last year.
There were no immediate reports of casualties on the Turkish side.

Following the killing of two women and three children in the Turkish border town of Akcakale this week, Turkey's parliament authorised troops to launch cross-border operations against Syria and strike at Syrian targets for a period of one year.

The UN Security Council said the incident showed the "grave impact" of the Syrian crisis on "regional peace and stability".

On Friday, Turkey moved tanks and anti-aircraft missiles into Akcakale, though Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country did not want war.

BBC © 2012