Syria’s representative at the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council confirmed to the Swiss News Agency on Monday that he has resigned his office and gone over to the opposition.
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Danny al-Baaj said he had first announced his resignation on a Syrian website on Friday, and informed his country’s chargé d’affaires orally.
He told the news agency that he had taken his decision “some time ago” and had been in contact with an opposition group.
“I felt I can no longer serve my country on the government side,” he said.
He called on the Human Rights Council to take further measures to protect human rights in Syria.
Baaj is one of the first Europe-based Syrian diplomats to defect. Three weeks ago the ambassador to Cyprus switched sides and moved to Qatar.
Baaj said he will not seek asylum in Switzerland, but has not yet decided where to go.
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