Hague urges 'clear plan' for Syria
William Hague has urged Syrian opposition groups to agree a "clear plan for political transition" after a National Security Council (NSC) meeting to discuss the spiralling violence.
Discussions between ministers and officials on military, humanitarian and diplomatic options for halting the bloodshed and refugee crisis were chaired by Prime Minister David Cameron.
He last week ordered all options, including arming rebel forces opposed to president Bashar Assad, to be put back on the table amid frustration at international failure to curb the bloodshed.
The NSC meeting came a day before opposition leaders, who agreed the formation of a coalition at the weekend in an effort to united disparate factions fighting Assad, are due in London for talks.
The US and the UK have signalled support for the grouping but stopped short of the formal recognition of it as a government-in-waiting already accorded by France.
Mr Hague declined to give details of what was discussed at the NSC but indicated that he would make a statement to MPs when the Commons returns next week. Among other measures thought to be under consideration is the creation of UN-protected "safe zones" within Syria's borders to protect civilians.
"I will be meeting tomorrow some of the figures, some of the leaders of the new opposition coalition, and we will want to discuss with them their way forward, the need for them of course to win over the middle ground of opinion in Syria, to work effectively together, to be inclusive, to respect human rights and to have a clear plan for political transition in Syria.
"Our work with the opposition is a high priority," Mr Hague said.
