Coalition defence minister to resign to solve Idriss dilemma: settlement

Syria’s key opposition group agreed on settlement ending up the dilemma has erupted since the dismissal of the Military council chief two weeks ago, activists said.

The last 48-hour meetings between the National Coalition chief, Ahmad Jarba, and top field commanders of the FSA's Supreme Military Council, have ended up with agreeing on two main points: First, Mr. Asaad Moustafa, Interim Government Defence Minister, and the sacked rebel chief, Salim Idriss, should formally submit their resignations. Secondly, the urgent need of total restructuring of the SMC.

Idriss has rejected his dismissal on February 19 in video statement, saying the whole chain of command needed a "total restructuring" - highlighting deep divisions in the opposition.

Idriss also lashed out at the Coalition defence minister, who reportedly backed his replacement by Brigadier General Abdel Ilah al-Bashir. He described Mustafa's decisions as "improvised and individual," according to his statemnet.

Several rebel leaders criticized Idriss dismissal, with some branding it an undemocratic "coup".

"We consider the removal of... Idriss an invalid, illegitimate decision," said a statement issued by all five top field commanders of the SMC, which Idriss had led from December 2012.