Syrian opposition group leader quits

Mouaz al-Khatib said in a statement posted on his Facebook page that he would continue to serve the opposition’s cause outside of “the official institutions”.

Mr Al-Khatib was president of the Syrian National Coalition, which was formed last year to serve as the opposition’s official liaison with other countries and co-ordinate anti-Assad forces inside and outside of Syria.

Despite electing a new, US-educated prime minister last week, the coalition has failed to establish itself as the top rebel authority in Syria, where hundreds of independent rebel brigades are fighting Assad’s forces.

Mr Al-Khatib also said world powers provided inadequate support for the rebels and many “international and regional parties” insisted on pushing the opposition toward dialogue with the regime.