Syrian national council convenes in Istanbul

Prominent representatives of the Syrian opposition yesterday met in Istanbul to seek unity against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Speaking after the meeting, George Sabra from the Syrian National Council said that they have reached an agreement to regain their freedom and continue our struggle in solidarity. Stating that they have held a broad-based meeting consisting of all sections of the Syrian opposition, Sabra said that the new Syrian state to be established would be independent and free, possessing the instruments necessary for determining its own future with its own will. Halit Hoca, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Syrian National Council, said that the meeting was held in order to determine a strategy against Assad's regime and to facilitate joint action among opposition groups. Hoca also stressed the importance of recent efforts exerted by Turkey and UN Arab League special envoy on Syria Kofi Annan, adding that such efforts have been manipulated by Assad's regime in order to gain time. Furthermore, Hoca said that solutions such as establishing a humanitarian aid corridor and a buffer zone under the leadership of Turkey were being discussed.