Malta recognises Syrian opposition

Malta on Friday officially recognised the Syrian Opposition National Coalition as the sole legal representative of the people of Syria. In a short statement, the island nation's foreign ministry said its position was made known during an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Dublin which was being attended by Foreign Minister George Vella. The coalition, which was formed last year, brings together opposition groups in the Syrian civil war. Several EU countries have already recognised the coalition as the Syrians' sole legal representative. The statement also said that during the meeting, Malta, together with the majority of countries present, opposed a British and French proposal for the lifting of an arms embargo. Vella said Malta agreed to any non-military civilian protection.