Mainstream Syrian opposition group delays decision on Geneva-II

The National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces has delayed taking a decision whether to take part in the Geneva-II conference till the 17th of the current month. The mainstream Syrian opposition movement confirmed in a statement "accomplishment of the democratic process with election of Ahmad Al-Jarba as the head of the new chairmanship and his deputies." It indicated that a number of members had withdrawn during the latest session of the group, due to differences over participation in the planned conciliation conference in Geneva. Bahia Mardini, the group information advisor, regretted in remarks to KUNA pullout of some of the members, accusing those figures of seeking to "make some political gains at inappropriate times. "Such status of polarizations and political bickering won't serve the Syrian people and the major battle remains with the Syrian regime." Meanwhile, Haitham Al-Maleh, the coalition legal committee chairman, accused the Damascus regime of unwilling to take part in the Geneva conference "because its mere participation means it handover of powers."