U.S. to continue peace efforts in Syria

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said at a meeting with Ahmad Jarba, president of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, that the U.S. will continue efforts to settle the Syrian crisis peacefully, ITAR-TASS reports.

Kerry and Jarba discussed ways to strengthen the moderate politican and armed opposition, prevent extremism, conclude movement of chemical weapons from Syria and improve the humanitarian situation. Kerry said that the U.S. were planning to grant Syrian opposition $27 million. The U.S. Congress is discussing additional funds for Syrian opposition. The U.S. will provide them about $287 million.

U.S. President Barack Obama decided to give the opposition organization of Jarba a higher status.Washington recognized the organization in December 2012 as the legitimate representative of Syria. Jarba is expected to meet Obama next week.