Syrian rebels to receive millions in aid

A coalition of more than 70 partners including the US pledged to send millions of dollars and communications equipment to Syria's opposition groups, signalling deeper involvement in the conflict amid a growing belief that diplomacy and sanctions alone cannot end the Damascus regime's repression.

A coalition of more than 70 partners including the US pledged to send millions of dollars and communications equipment to Syria's opposition groups, signalling deeper involvement in the conflict amid a growing belief that diplomacy and sanctions alone cannot end the Damascus regime's repression.

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Sunday's summit meeting of the 'Friends of the Syrian People' follows a year of failed diplomacy that seems close to running its course with a troubled peace plan led by UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan.

US secretary of state Hillary Clinton and other participants expressed concern that Annan's plan might backfire, speculating that President Bashar Assad would try to manipulate it to prolong his hold on power.

Clinton said the US is providing communications equipment to help anti-government activists in Syria organise and evade regime attacks.