Syrian National Coalition to open office in ?stanbul

The newly formed Syrian National Coalition, which has been recognized by Turkey as the country's legitimate representative, will open an office in ?stanbul, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu announced on Friday. Davuto?lu met with Moaz al-Khatib, the head of the new opposition coalition, on Friday in the Turkish capital and held a press conference with Khatib after the bilateral meeting. Davuto?lu said Khatib was elected by the coalition in a democratic way, adding that he is a well-respected man who contributed greatly to the restructuring of the Syrian opposition. The foreign minister also reiterated Turkey's recognition of the coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people. Syrian anti-government groups struck a deal last month after more than a week of meetings in the Qatari capital of Doha to form a new opposition leadership that will include representatives from the country's disparate factions fighting to topple President Bashar al-Assad's regime. The new umbrella group, called the Syrian National Coalition for Opposition and Revolutionary Forces, was also recognized by France, one of the harshest critics of Assad, whose military crackdown on a 20-month-old uprising against his rule has killed over 38,000 people. Speaking to press members after the meeting, Khatib, a Sunni Muslim and former preacher at Damascus's historic Umayyad Mosque, said the office that is expected to be opened in ?stanbul will serve only the interests of the Syrian people, warning against any foreign intervention in Syria. While lacking in political experience, the 52-year-old preacher-turned-activist is described by Syrians as a man of the people -- a modest, unifying figure who commands wide respect among the country's various opposition groups. Khatib further stated on Friday that Turkey is a leading model for Syria, putting emphasis on the need for cooperation with its neighbor. Calling the Syrian regime “atrocious,” Khatib said history has never witnessed so terrible a regime, one killing its own people. “Everyone is asking me why I never smile. How can I smile while thousands of babies are being killed?” Khatib remarked, dismissing the possibility of any kind of dialogue with the regime. Davuto?lu said he is hopeful about the future of the Syrian people and Turkey will always support the newly formed Syrian opposition coalition.