Kuwaiti MPs Urge Recognition of Syrian Opposition

Kuwaiti MPs on Tuesday called on world countries to recognize the opposition Syrian National Council as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people and take action against the regime.

"We declare our support for the Syrian National Council as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people," said a statement signed by 33 Kuwaiti MPs in the 50-member house.

"We call on world governments to recognize this council and to freeze the membership of the Syrian regime in various international establishments and bodies," the statement said.

Kuwaiti MPs have been pressing the government of the oil-rich Gulf state to expel the Syrian ambassador and sever relations with Damascus.

On Monday, hundreds of Kuwaitis staged a rally outside the Syrian embassy demanding the expulsion of the ambassador.

Kuwait in August recalled its ambassador from Damascus for consultations in a move also taken by some of its Gulf partners.