The United Kingdom has recognized the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people, British Foreign Minister William Hague said on Tuesday in parliament.
France recognized the Syrian Opposition in a similar way on November 14, a move Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister denounced as "immoral."
The European Union's ministerial council for foreign affairs said on Monday it had recognized the opposition coalition as a legal representative of the interests of the Syrian people but held back from extending it diplomatic recognition, leaving that to be decided by individual EU member states.
The coalition, formed following an opposition conference in Qatar earlier this month, claims to represent 80 percent of all opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Some hardline Islamist rebels fighting in the northern city of Aleppo stated earlier this week they do not recognize the National Coalition opposition leadership.
