Malta recognises Syrian opposition as sole representative of the people of Syria

Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella has declared that Malta has recognised the Syrian Opposition National Coalition as the sole legal representative of the people of Syria.

Vella made this position known during an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Dublin. Malta has now become the 12^th EU member state to take such a position.

The coalition, formed last year, brings together opposition groups in the Syrian civil war.

Malta has also opposed a proposal by France and the UK for the lifting of an arms embargo. Vella said Malta agreed to any non-military civilian protection.