U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said on Thursday that Washington applauded the efforts by the Syrian opposition to form a unified organization, Xinhua reported.
"We look forward to the opposition strengthening as it agrees on things like a unified leadership structure, as it builds consensus and articulates a vision for the future of Syria that incorporates rule of law, government by consent of the people and equal rights, as well as economic opportunities for all Syrian citizens," Toner told reporters.
"It is certainly not our role to determine what the leadership looks like or what directive its actions or dictate its policies," he said. "But we do applaud their efforts under these kinds of conditions."
"They're still coming together and unifying," said Toner, vowing to continue to stay in close coordination with the Syrian opposition.
Members of the Syrian opposition agreed on the makeup of the National Council in Turkey's largest city Istanbul on Thursday. Syrian dissidents first announced the formation of the council in Istanbul on Aug. 23.