FOREIGN Secretary William Hague said the UK needs reassurances over the intentions of the Syrian opposition's fledgling coalition before formal recognition can be offered.

The group was formed in Doha last weekend in a bid to unify the opposition to President Bashar al Assad and secure international recognition and arms.

Coalition figures, including leader Mouaz Alkhatib, were due to meet Mr Hague and other western officials in London yesterday before heading to Paris today.

On Tuesday, France became the first European power to recognise the new body but others are holding back, uneasy about radical Islamists and accusations of war crimes.

"We would like to be able, at an early stage, to recognise them as the sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people," Mr Hague said. "We need their assurances about being inclusive of all communities."

He said the UK does not "rule out any option" in handling the crisis but played down the prospect of military aid, at least in the near future.

Mr Hague added: "We are conscious this [crisis] ultimately needs a diplomatic and political solution. A military victory of one side over the other would be a long, expensive process in terms of human life."

Britain's National Security Council had discussed military aid, he said, but opted to continue to supply only non-lethal assistance.