France recognises Syrian council, proposes military intervention

In a direct echo of previous events in Libya, France has formally recognized the opposition Syrian National Council and proposed that international troops create a secure zone for civilians.

French foreign minister Alain Juppe signalled the change in policy at a high-profile meeting with SNC leader Burhan Ghalioun in Paris on Wednesday (23 November). "The Syrian National Council is the legitimate interlocutor with which we will continue to work," Juppe told press. He noted that a Libya-type no-fly zone is "not on the agenda" because "an armed reaction could provoke a real civil war."

But he added: "We will ask our European partners about the possibility of launching humanitarian operations to alleviate the suffering of the population ... Should we create humanitarian corridors, or humanitarian zones?"

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