Readout of Vice President Biden's Call with Syrian Opposition Coalition President Moaz al-Khatib

Vice President Biden called Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) President Moaz al-Khatib today to discuss the February 28 Friends of the Syrian People (FOSP) ministerial in Rome. Vice President Biden welcomed President Khatib's confirmation that Coalition members would attend the gathering and meet with Secretary of State Kerry. He emphasized the importance of the meeting as a venue for the Coalition to share its views on the situation in Syria with the international community and to confer with FOSP members on ways to speed assistance to the opposition and support to the Syrian people. Vice President Biden emphasized President Obama's commitment to a political transition in Syria to a democratic and inclusive post-Asad government that protects the rights of all its citizens. Vice President Biden commended President Khatib and the SOC for their courage and expressed his desire to stay in contact.