US Secretary Of State John Kerry Steps Up Support For Syria Conflict

The US Secretary of State John Kerry says US is to step up its support for the Syrian opposition as it fights to topple President Bashar al-Assad. 

Mr Kerry said the US will provide direct support to rebel forces in the form of medical and food supplies. 

He also promised an additional forty million dollars to the opposition to help it deliver basic governance and other services in rebel-controlled areas.

 Mr Kerry was speaking at a gathering of the Friends of Syria group in Rome. 

Mr Kerry said the decision was designed to increase the pressure on President Assad to step down and allow a democratic transition. 

GBC