Some $30 million will go towards aid, bumping up the total US funding for humanitarian relief to $130 million with a further $15 million for the civilian Syrian opposition, she told a meeting of the Friends of Syria.

 

The talks were attended by nine Syrian activists, who have been working with local coordination committees in cities such as Homs.

 

Some of them had travelled from within Syria to New York to spell out to leaders of about two dozen countries -- out of the 90 nations which make up the group -- what their needs are.

 

Washington has, however, insisted it will not bow to calls to arm the rebels, fearing it will further complicate the situation on the ground.