An official with the SNC, contacted by AFP, confirmed that Catherine al-Telli, Haitham al-Maleh and Kamal al-Labwani had resigned due to "disagreements" with the council. Maleh said he was quitting after the council's executive had rejected his efforts to reform and unite opposition ranks, complaining its head Burhan Ghalioun was "monopolising opinion."

"All avenues for change have been blocked," protested Labwani. Lack of unity within the SNC has been one of the main arguments of Western countries to justify their reluctance to arm the rebel forces fighting the Syrian regime which has been faced by a year-long revolt.