Clinton maintained her position in Istanbul. “We have had a number of discussions with our colleagues about Syria. I think we all share the same opinion, that what we are seeing from the Assad regime in its barrage of words, false promises and accusations is not being translated into any path forward for the Syrian people, and it is ultimately the responsibility of the Syrian people to choose and chart their own course,” she told reporters.

“We have said that Syria can’t go back to the way it was before — that Assad has lost his legitimacy in the eyes of his people because of the brutality of their crackdown. And we, along with many others in the region and beyond, have said we strongly support a democratic transition, but we also are well aware that the ultimate destiny of the Syrian regime and the Syrian people lies with the people themselves.”

Clinton said the situation in Syria was still in flux.

“I don’t think we know how the opposition in Syria will be able to conduct itself or what kinds of avenues for action are open to it. But I think we have made our views very clear, and the messages coming into Syria are remarkably similar from everyone that I spoke with here at Istanbul.”

Clinton described the Istanbul talks as productive.??

“We accomplished important things at the Libya Contact Group. We heard from the TNC (Transitional National Council) about its plans for setting Libya on a path toward security and progress in the post-Qaddafi era. The TNC gave us important assurances regarding its intention to pursue democratic reform that is inclusive geographically and politically, and to uphold Libya’s international obligations and to disburse funds in a transparent manner, to address the humanitarian and other needs of the Libyan people,” Clinton said.??

“The United States is impressed by the progress the TNC has made in laying the groundwork for a successful transition to a unified democratic Libya, which protects the rights of all of its citizens, including women and minority groups. The assurances the TNC offered reinforce our confidence that it is the appropriate interlocutor for the United States in dealing with Libya’s present and addressing Libya’s future. That is why I announced earlier that until an interim authority is in place, the United States will recognize the TNC as the legitimate governing authority for Libya.”

She commended other nations that have stepped up to assist the TNC.??

“We still have to work through various legal issues, but we expect this step on recognition will enable the TNC to access additional sources of funding. We will be consulting with the TNC and our international partners in the most effective and appropriate method of doing this. In the meantime, we are pleased that our partners have contributed money to the temporary financial mechanism or they have provided direct financial support to the TNC,” Clinton said, noting the TNC’s actions have inspired confidence among diplomats.