Big powers to recognize Syrian opposition

[No Elephants]

Big powers to recognize Syrian opposition

MARRAKECH, Morocco | Wed Dec 12, 2012 3:59am EST

(Reuters) - World powers meeting in Marrakech recognized Syria's new opposition coalition as "the legitimate representative of the Syrian people" and called on President Bashar al-Assad to "stand aside", according to a draft declaration obtained on Wednesday.

The declaration by 130 international representatives comprising the "Friends of Syria" group of nations warned that any use by Assad's government of chemical or biological weapons would be met by a "serious response".

"Participants acknowledge the National Coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people and the umbrella organization under which the Syrian opposition are gathering," said the draft declaration obtained before the meeting of major powers, excluding Russia and China.

"Bashar al-Assad has lost legitimacy and should stand aside to allow "a sustainable political transition" process," said the text of the draft declaration obtained by Reuters.

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(Reporting by Samia Nakhoul and Khaled Yacoub Oweis; Editing by Dominic Evans)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/12/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE8AJ1FK20121212

[Enthusiast]

1. Assad's days are numbered.

And it won't do any good to sneak away. There are no safe havens for Assad to find.

[No Elephants]

2. I am sure that, like all dictators, he had money salted away in Swiss accounts

and other places outside his country.

Why he did not leave as soon as it became clear that this was no minor uprising and live the rest of his life in peaceful luxury somewhere is beyond me.

At this point, I cannot help but believe that, once he is captured, he will very literally be torn limb from limb.

I am not sure how much longer his army will hold out. Then again, they probably have a lot to lose if he falls.