ISTANBUL - The Syrian National Council (SNC), the main Syrian opposition umbrella group, announced here on Sunday that it has elected Abdulbaset Sieda as its new leader.
The 56-year-old Kurd was the only candidate for the three-month SNC leadership at a electing meeting held in Istanbul on Saturday and Sunday.
Sieda said at a press conference that he will do his best in unifying various opposition groups in the fight against the Syrian regime.
Though he has a residence in Sweden, Sieda said he will now spend most of his time in Turkey to lead the SNC.
Holding a PhD degree in Arabian philosophy at the University of Damascus, he is a specialist in the field of ancient Eastern thoughts and Assyriology, and has published extensive works on Syrian public affairs.
The opposition SNC started the process on Saturday to elect a new leader after Burhan Ghalioun resigned last month due to mounting criticism from the member groups.
A total of 43 representatives from seven Syrian opposition groups overseas, including Ghalioun, were present at the meeting in Istanbul.
Ghalioun was re-elected as chairman of the 300-member coalition in May, but resigned from the post on May 17 after some member groups accused him of monopolizing power.
The SNC was formed in Istanbul in September 2011. It has been a strong force challenging the Syrian government 's rule due to its handling of domestic protests.
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