France recognizes new Syria opposition

PARIS - French President Francois Hollande said on Tuesday that France recognizes Syria's newly formed opposition coalition as representative of the Syrian people.

"I announce ... that France recognizes the Syrian National coalition as the sole representative of the Syrian people and therefore as the future democratic government of Syria," Hollande said during his first major press conference.

After a five-day meeting held in Qatar, Syrian opposition created a new coalition composed mainly of opposition groups outside Syria, but will also include activists inside the country as well as rebel commanders.

Asked about Paris participation in eventual military operation to stop bloody conflicts in Syria, Hollande stressed that "it will be an intervention if the (UN) Security Council will decide it."

As to arming rebel forces, the president said "France did not support it (weapons delivery) as long as it wasn't clear where these weapons went."