The US has expressed desire to work with newly elected President of Syrian Opposition Coalition, Hadi al-Bahra, and build partnership with the main body representing the opposition to Bashar al-Assad.

"The United States welcomes the election of Syrian Opposition Coalition President Hadi al-Bahra. We look forward to working with him and to continuing to build our partnership with the Coalition, State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said.

"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," she said.

The US remain committed to supporting the National Coalition as it continues working on behalf of the Syrian people to fulfill the Syrian revolution's goals of freedom and dignity for all Syrians, she said.

Earlier in the yesterday, the Department of the Treasury slapped sanctions against those providing support to the Assad regime of Syria.

The Treasury Department designated United Arab Emirates- based Pangates International Corporation Ltd. (Pangates) for providing material support, and goods and services to the Government of Syria, including SYTROL, a Syrian state oil company sanctioned by the US.

The Treasury also designated Syria-based front companies - Expert Partners and Megatrade - for acting on behalf of the US-sanctioned entity Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC), Syria's government agency responsible for developing and producing non-conventional weapons and ballistic missiles.

Both SYTROL and SSRC have been sanctioned by the European Union.