Islamists reject Syrian opposition coalition

Islamist rebel groups in the Syrian city of Aleppo say they reject the new Western-backed opposition coalition. In an internet video, they denounced what they called "the conspiratorial project" and said they intend to establish an "Islamist state" in Syria. The EU recognised the new coalition on Monday as "legitimate representatives" of the Syrian people, but did not grant it full recognition. France has already backed the group as "sole representative" of Syrians. Known as the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces and formed in Qater on 11 November, the opposition has also been given full recognition by Turkey and the six Gulf states.

The new body will be led by the moderate cleric, Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib. He's seen as an independent opponent of the regime, without links to any Islamist party.

“The Opposition are now trying to be unified and the world is a witness and on top of everything we need humanitarian aid and we need to stop the bloodshed and we need to work in order to get rid of this regime and to build a free and just and fair society in Syria,” he said.

Recognition for the opposition grouping would open the way to additional practical and political assistance, but falls short of arming fighters on the ground.

Listen to the report by correspondent Nathan Morley: