BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- EU Foreign Ministers have met in Brussels. High on the agenda was the situation in Syria and the legitimacy of the Syrian National Coalition.

Mouaz al-Khatib heads the new Western backed opposition coalition in Syria. He briefed the ministers about attempts to unify the Syrian opposition as the coalition seeks greater diplomatic recognition.

It has already been recognised by the UK and France.

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle says the timing is right to recognise the Syrian National Coalition as the sole representative of the Syrian opposition.

Guido Westerwelle, German Foreign Minister, said, "It is the right timing to upgrade the political recognition of the Syrian National Coalition today. I think it is the best timing."

The EU does not itself offer formal recognition but it has said the coalition is a legitimate representative of the Syrian people.

Catherine Ashton, EU Foreign Affairs Chief, said, "We agreed in the Foreign Affairs Council that the EU accepts the coalition as legitimate representatives of the Syrian people. We continue to work and support the work of Special Envoy Brahimi and we are very concerned that the situation in the country is becoming worse every day."

EU member states will deliver their decision on recognising the Syrian National Coalition as the sole representatives of the Syrian people at upcoming talks in Marrakesh, Morocco, on Wednesday.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is also expected to announce Washington’s backing at that meeting.

(Source: cntv.com)