Conference exposes splits in Syria’s rebel opposition

The conference in Cairo ended on Tuesday night with only vague agreement on two documents. One provides a general outline to guide the opposition through a transitional period, while the other lays out fundamental principles envisaged for a post-Assad Syria.

The delegates agreed in general terms on support for the Free Syrian Army, the dissolution of the ruling Baath Party and the exclusion of Assad or other senior regime figures.

But they failed to reach an agreement on forming a unified body to represent the opposition.

Arguments were rife over key questions, including whether to ask for foreign military intervention and what role religion would play in a new government.