Obama: US Recognizes Syria's Main Rebel Group

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama says the U.S. now recognizes Syria's main opposition group as the "legitimate representative" of the country's people.

Obama says the Syrian Opposition Council is now "inclusive enough" to be granted greater legitimacy in the international community. The president says that level of recognition comes with responsibility, including making sure the group organizes itself effectively and is committed to a political transition that respects the rights of women and minorities. The move paves the way for greater U.S. support as the group seeks the ouster of Syrian President Bashar Assad.