William Hague hails Syrian rebels as official opposition It's important and I've stressed to them that they respect minority rights, that they are inclusive of all communities in Syria, committed to a democratic future for the people of Syria, that in the face of a regime that has committed such abuse, violence and rape against the people of their own country that this coalition stands firmly against all of those things, that they uphold high standards of human rights, of international humanitarian law, preventing sexual violence, preventing abuse of prisoners. Mr Hague said the coalition leaders committed to reach out to all groups in Syria and to respect human rights. "I hope that this meeting today will mark a turning point for the Syrian people and that it will begin the major steps towards a political transition in Syria," he said. So 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 assistance to tens of thousands of people suffering in Syria. The Foreign Secretary said he would be making a further statement in the Commons next week. I've discussed with the coalition this morning the question of recognition. We would like to be able at an early stage to recognise them as the sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people, one or two countries have already done so," he said. I wanted to meet them myself before the UK takes that step. We need their assurances about being inclusive of all communities, we need to see that they have genuine support within Syria. If we are going to take that important step of recognition we should do so in full possession of the facts and on the basis of discussions with them.