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Arab League lauds election of Syrian opposition premier

Arab World Materials 20 March 2013 18:50 (UTC +04:00)

The Arab League on Wednesday welcomed the appointment of an interim prime minister by the Syrian opposition, calling it a sign of unity, dpa reported.

"The Arab League resolutions have long called on the Syrian opposition forces to unify their efforts and forge a common political consensus," said the head of the pan-Arab grouping Nabil al-Arabi.

"The latest development marks a step in this direction."

The opposition on Monday named Syrian businessman Ghassan Hitto as the man to head a government as part of its efforts to consolidate the rebellion against President Bashar al-Assad.

The provisional government will be tasked with administering areas freed during the two-year civil war.

An Arab League summit, due to be held in Qatar on March 26-27, is expected to give Damascus' seat to the opposition.

Syria was suspended from the 22-member organization in November 2011 over the government's violent crackdown on anti-regime rebels.

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