US betting on 'armed victory' by Syria rebels: Russia

MOSCOW: Russia on Wednesday said it was surprised by US President Barack Obama's recognition of the Syrian opposition, saying Washington was now betting on an armed victory by rebels in the conflict.

"I was somewhat surprised to find out" about the recognition announcement, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, quoted by Russian news agencies. "The United States has decided to place all its bets on an armed victory of the (Syrian) National Coalition.