DAMASCUS, Nov 20: Britain formally recognised a newly-formed opposition bloc as the sole representative of the Syrian people on Tuesday, as UN head Ban Ki-moon said he feared Syria could become a “regional battleground.”

Britain's recognition of the opposition National Coalition came as fighting raged across Syrian flashpoints, including in the northern town of Ras al-Ain where a watchdog said dozens died in clashes between rebels and a Kurdish militia..

In announcing Britain's recognition of the National Coalition formed in Doha on Nov 11, Foreign Secretary William Hague told parliament he took the decision after leaders of the bloc he met in London assured him that they have backing inside Syria and would respect human rights.

Hague said he has asked the group to appoint a political representative to Britain and he announced an increase in aid and support for the coalition as it battles Assad's regime.

Last week, France became the first western country to recognise the coalition and on Monday the European Union said it “considers them legitimate representatives of the aspirations of the Syrian people.”

UN Secretary General Ban, on a visit to Cairo, cautioned on Tuesday that on the ground there was potential for the conflict to spin out of control.—AFP