DAMASCUS, Syria, July 9 (UPI) -- The Syrian Opposition Coalition elected a new leader on Wednesday.
In a Twitter post, the opposition announced that Hadi al Bahra has been elected president.
Congratulations to Hadi Al Bahra. He has been elected as President.
— Syrian Coalition (@SyrCoalition) July 9, 2014New of al Bahra's election was welcomed by the U.S. Department of State.
"We applaud Coalition President-elect al Bahra's longstanding efforts in support of the Syrian people and his distinguished service to the Coalition. We look to President-elect Bahra and other new leaders to reach out to all Syrian communities and to strengthen unity amongst moderate opposition institutions."
State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki reaffirmed America's commitment to assisting the Syrian opposition "as it continues working on behalf of the Syrian people to fulfill the Syrian revolution's goals of freedom and dignity for all Syrians."
Al Bahra succeeds Coalition President Ahmad al-Jarba.
