Syrian National Council elects new leader

Sida, who has been living in exile in Sweden for many years, was the only candidate for the presidency of the SNC at a meeting of 33 members of the councils’ general secretariat.

The 56-year-old succeeds Burhan Ghalioun, a liberal opposition figure who had presided over the council since it was formed in August last year.

Sida said his priority would be to expand the council and hold talks with other opposition figures to include them in the council.

“The main task now is to reform the council and re-structure it,” Sida said.