Syrian Representative at UN HRC defects to Switzerland

The top Syrian representative at the UN Human Rights Council defected to Switzerland because he couldn't do anything to help his people anymore.

AFP and Arab News quote Mr. Danny Al-Baaj in saying "basically, when I felt I could not help my people any more I had to move on." He added that when he "was involved in negotiations," on Syria his "concern was to protect the country not the government." He claims to have taken the decision to defect a long time ago and has had contact with the Syrian opposition Paris-based Democratic Forum. This Wednesday an official UNHRC independent commission of inquiry is to report into Syria. Baaj has expressed hopes that this inquiry would make headway in forming a consensus on how to deal with the Syrian situation. He said he hopes that "different countries will put aside their agenda to help the Syrian people." Baaj is against military intervention but supports the UN Supervision Mission in Syria expressing hopes that "it stays there," adding that "it's very important to document abuses by both sides."