Paris: New US Secretary of State John Kerry says the time has passed for Syrian President Basher Assad to leave power.
His first official meetings with France`s leadership come amid increasing efforts by both countries to bolster Syria`s opposition.
Kerry met today with French President Francois Hollande in Paris, chatting in French on the front steps of the Elysee Palace.
The war in Syria and Iran`s nuclear programme have topped the agenda of Kerry`s tour of Europe and the Middle East.
Officials in the United States and Europe said yesterday the Obama administration is nearing a decision on whether to provide non-lethal assistance to carefully vetted fighters opposed to Assad.
"We are examining and developing ways to accelerate the political transition that the Syrian people want and deserve," Kerry said.
PTI
