Syrian opposition agree in principle on unity plan against Assad

DOHA (AFP) - Syrian opposition groups meeting in Doha have agreed in principle on a plan to unite against President Bashar al-Assad, participants announced early on Sunday following marathon talks.

"We have agreed on the main points of the formation of a Syrian national coalition for the forces of the opposition and the revolution. We will continue our discussions on the details on Sunday," opposition figure Suhair Atassi said after 12 hours of talks.

"We were on the point of signing (the accord) but we preferred to give some time to study the internal rules at the request of certain parties," said fellow delegate Riad Seif, reportedly seen by Washington as a potential new opposition chief.

The deal is based on an initiative by Mr Seif which envisages the formation of a transitional executive to deal with the international community and the channeling of aid.