Jihadists seize Syrian army base

SYRIA: Jihadists have seized a strategic army base in northern Syria, a watchdog said, as the EU piled more pressure on President Bashar al-Assad by recognising the opposition coalition as "legitimate representatives" of the people.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported clashes in a northern Damascus district, the fiercest in the area since a revolt against Assad broke out in March 2001.

The European Union gave a vital boost to the newly-formed Syrian opposition coalition, describing them as the "legitimate representatives of the Syrian people" following talks in Brussels with its leader Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib.

The EU, winner of this year's Nobel Peace Prize, said at the award ceremony in Oslo that the 21-month conflict in Syria, which has cost tens of thousands of lives, must be addressed.

"Let me say it from here today. The current situation in Syria is a stain on the world's conscience and the international community has a moral duty to address it," said European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso.

The European Commission also announced it would provide another 30 million euros ($39 million) in humanitarian aid to help people affected by the Syrian violence, bringing its total contribution to some 126 million euros.

The Independent newspaper Tuesday said Britain and other key international players are actively drawing up plans to train Syrian rebel fighters and back them with air and naval support.