5 Nov 2012

Talks on unity held by opposition groups

6:49 am on 5 November 2012

Syrian opposition groups are beginning a series of meetings in Qatar to try to unify their ranks and eventually form a government in exile.

Divisions between Islamists and secularists, as well as between those inside Syria and opposition figures based abroad, have frustrated previous attempts to forge a united opposition.

The BBC reports the meeting could reshape the Syrian National Council, into a possible government in exile.

Rebel forces in Syria have criticised the SNC as out of touch.