US vows $60m to Syria opposition

ROME (AFP) – US Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday that Washington would provide $60 million in “non-lethal” assistance to support the Syrian political opposition against President Bashar al-Assad.

Speaking after talks between foreign officials and the opposition in Rome, Kerry also said Washington would provide direct assistance to rebel forces in Syria in the form of food and medical assistance.

“The US will be providing an additional $60 million in non-lethal assistance to support the efforts of the Syrian opposition coalition over the coming months,” Kerry said.

“We will be sending medical supplies and food to the (rebel) Supreme Military Council, so there will be direct assistance,” he added.

“All Syrians… must know that they can have a future,” he said.