On Wednesday, 15 January 2014, following the decision of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) not to be part of the delegation of the Syrian Opposition to the Geneva II Conference, Joint Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi called Dr. Hassan Abdel-Azim, President of the NCC.

Mr. Brahimi told Dr. Hassan Abdel-Azim that he respects the decision of the NCC but deeply regrets that NCC will not be part of the delegation of the Opposition which will discuss in Geneva how the terrible war now raging in Syria must be brought to an end. Mr. Brahimi is familiar with the work of the NCC and its members in support of democracy, and the freedom and dignity of the Syrian people. He has known in particular two if its distinguished members, Abdul Aziz al-Khair and Rajaa Al-Nasser.

There has not been any information about Dr. Abdel Aziz al-Khair since he was arrested or kidnapped in September 2012 on the road from the airport to Damascus. Rajaa Al-Nasser was arrested or disappeared in broad daylight in the centre of Damascus on 20 November 2013.

Mr. Brahimi wishes the NCC well, and is confident they will continue to work for the return of peace to their country, and the advent of the new and democratic Syria.