The United States doubled its nonlethal aid to the Syrian opposition on Saturday. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement the United States would funnel another $123 million in aid to the Syrian Opposition Coalition, including an expansion of direct aid to the opposing fighters battling Al-Assad regime's forces. "We want to see the coalition lead the way by ramping up its ability in order to be able to provide assistance, deliver services and respond to the needs of the Syrian people," Kerry told reporters here after a meeting of 11 nations from the Friends of Syria group and Syrian opposition leaders. In a statement after the talks, the 11 ministers recognized the "need to change the balance of power on the ground" and pledged to "enhance and expand their support to all coalition institutions," including increased support to the coalition's military council. They also urged the United Nations to immediately investigate allegations chemical weapons had been used in Syria, promising "severe consequences" if the claims proved to be true. Before the gathering, Kerry held a private meeting with coalition president Moaz al-Khatib, according to a report of CNN.
