ANKARA, November 23 (RIA Novosti) - The National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces (SNCROF) will soon open its office in Istanbul, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Friday.
The coalition, formed at talks in Qatar, claims to represent 80 percent of all opponents of embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Turkey recognized the SNCROF as “the sole legitimate representative of the people of Syria” on November 15.
“The office will be opened in the near future, and we will stay in close contact with its head as a recognized representative of the Syrian people and opposition,” Davutoglu said after a meeting with Moaz al-Khatib, the head of the new opposition coalition.
The minister reiterated Turkey’s support of the Syrian opposition both in Syria and on the international arena.
The Syrian opposition has been deeply divided for months despite the obvious need to unite its efforts in the fight against Assad regime.
Most of the anti-government groups finally struck a coalition deal last month following the November 11 meeting in Doha, Qatar.
However, some hardline Islamist rebel groups, including the Popular Front for Change and Liberation, stated earlier this week they do not recognize the National Coalition opposition leadership, calling it a product of conspiracy with the West.
The Assad regime has been locked in a bloody conflict with anti-government rebel forces since March 2011. According to UN estimates, around 30,000 people have been killed since the violence began.
