NY Times: Syrian opposition groups unite against regime

A New York Times (www.NYTimes.com) report said yesterday that "Exiled Syrian opposition leaders announced the creation of a united front on Friday to form a transitional government to bring about 'regime change' from President Bashar al-Assad to democracy."

The New York Times report said that exiled Former Vice-President Abdel Halim Khaddam and Muslim Brotherhood leader Ali Bayanouni took center stage among opposition groups including, liberals, communists and Kurds issued a 'National Programe for Change' during a six-month transition to democracy in a post-Assad era."

The New York Times report quoted a statement by the group that "All political, social, and economic partners in Syria will form an interim government that will be ready to take over the administration of the country at the appropriate moment."

The New York Times report said of the opposition group, whose level of support inside Syria is not clear, would be negotiating with all political, social, and religious groups before the next meeting in 45 days, as saying "An interim government would cancel the constitution, organize elections, lift the state of emergency, cancel a law condemning members of the Muslim Brotherhood to death and free all political prisoners."