Syria: rebel coalition meets with European leaders

(Vatican Radio) Britain's Foreign Secretary William Hague has met with Syrian opposition leaders in London and said he was encouraged by their discussions. Hague has said he believes Syrian opposition groups could be a "credible, political alternative" to the Assad government. Before meeting opposition leaders in London, Mr Hague said the UK wanted to recognise them as the legitimate voice of the people at "an early stage". But he said he must be sure they had "genuine support" throughout Syria and were committed to a democratic future. Listen to this report from Regional correspondent Nathan Morley:

"I hope that today will mark a turning point for the Syrian people and that it will begin the major steps towards a political transition in Syria," Hague said. "I'm encouraged by what I've heard and seen from the leaders of the coalition and I hope the discussions in London today will bring relief to the tens of thousands of people suffering today in Syria." European Union foreign ministers meet Monday in Brussels with Syria likely on the agenda. So far, Britain and France have been at the forefront in Europe, pushing for closer ties with Syria's opposition.