The largest group in Syria's opposition coalition says it will not take part in proposed peace negotiations in Geneva.
Syrian National Council leader George Sabra said the group would pull out of the umbrella coalition if it took part in the talks.
He said his faction would not negotiate with the Syrian government, adding that conditions for talks were not right while Syrians continued to suffer.
The UN, US and Russia want the long-delayed talks to be held next month.
Anger at international response
Mr Sabra told French news agency AFP that the Syrian National Council (SNC) "had taken the firm decision... not to go to Geneva under the present circumstances (on the ground)".
"Ghouta (agricultural belt around Damascus) is under siege and it is forbidden to even bring in bread. Are these the conditions that will allow us to achieve... a democratic transition in Syria?" he asked.
Mr Sabra was also fiercely critical of the international community, accusing it of failing to punish the Syrian government after the 21 August poison gas attack that killed hundreds of civilians near Damascus.
The Syrian government and military deny they were involved.
"The international community has focused on the murder weapon, which is the chemical weapons, and left the murderer unpunished and forgotten the victims," he added.
The SNC was the original main opposition group outside Syria but broadened almost a year ago into a wider coalition, of which it still remains the biggest component.
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