Conference for Syrian people opening with expectations of US backing new opposition coalition

AP, Marrakech, Morocco, 12 Dec 2012 — The fourth conference for the “Friends of the Syrian People” is set to open with expectations that the U.S. will give its backing to the new Syrian opposition coalition.
More than a hundred delegates, including from the U.S., France, Britain and the Gulf countries, are gathering in the Moroccan city of Marrakech on Wednesday to unveil measures to support the newly formed Syrian group.
The meeting comes as rebel forces in Syria have scored a number of victories against the regime of Bashar Assad in recent weeks.
France and the U.K. have already recognized the new opposition coalition, formed in Doha, Qatar, last November following criticism that the anti-Assad forces lacked cohesion.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was expected to attend the conference, but cancelled following an illness.