Opposition to set base in Egypt

A newly formed Syrian opposition bloc that has received Arab and international backing is to be based in Egypt, its head Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib told the official MENA news agency yesterday.
"It has been decided that the Syrian National Coalition will have its headquarters in Egypt," Khatib was quoted as saying after talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr.
Amr said Egypt was willing to "offer any assistance to the coalition in the coming phase".
The National Coalition was formed last week after extensive talks in Doha.
Meanwhile, Italy yesterday joined France to recognize Syria opposition.
We have recognised the coalition that brings together the various opposition groups as legitimate representatives of the Syrian people," Intaly's Prime Minister Mario Monti said in Doha.