'Friends of Syria' to meet, says Haitham Maleh

Dubai: Official representatives from more than 80 countries are gathering in Tunis on Friday for a ‘Friends of Syria' meeting which will be a "turning point" in the revolution, according to top Syrian National Council member Haitham Maleh.

"We are expected to be recognised as the sole representative of the Syrian people," he told Gulf News in an interview.

The SNC and other countries are meeting to explore different options to further isolate the regime of President Bashar Al Assad which has faced international condemnation over its crackdown against protesters.

The UN Security Council however hit a deadlock with both Russia and China vetoing the resolution presented earlier this year. The SNC has called for an Arab boycott of Russian and Chinese goods to pile the pressure on the regime. It has also called for Syrian expatriates to protest in front of Russian and Chinese embassies.

Maleh said that plans are already underway to begin preparing for the post-Assad period and the setting up of a transitional national government, as in the case of Libya. "Syria will face many difficulties and challenges but removing the regime is the critical first step," he said. "The continuous relentless brutality of Syrian forces against civilian has forfeited Al Assad's option for a peaceful exit," Maleh said.

Meanwhile, the regime's assault on Baba Amr district of Homs entered its 20th day on Thursday. "Terrifying explosions" were heard by residents who said the city was being pounded from morning. At least 7,000 Syrians have been killed since the uprising began last year.