Syrian Opposition Coalition Reelects Jarba As Leader

Syrian National Coalition leader Ahmad al-Jarba

The Western-backed Syrian opposition has reelected Ahmad al-Jarba as its leader during a general assembly meeting in Istanbul.

Jarba was elected as the leader of the Syrian National Coalition for a second six-month term on January 5, defeating former Syrian Prime Minister Riyad Hijab.

Jarba is seen as being close to key rebel backer Saudi Arabia.

The coalition also voted in three of its members as vice-presidents.

Jarba’s reelection comes less than three weeks before slated peace talks in Switzerland that would bring rebels and regime representatives to the table.

On January 6, the coalition is set to discuss whether to take part in the negotiations.

A key bloc, the Syrian National Council, has already announced it will boycott the so-called Geneva 2 talks.


Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters