Brussels, 05/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 4 October, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton called for the release of three members of the Syrian opposition movement National Coordinating Committee, Abdel Azeez el-Khair, Iyas Ayyach and Maher Tahnan, who disappeared while leaving Damascus airport on 22 September. Abdel Azeez el-Khair had returned from Beijing on 20 September. “Dr el-Khair is a senior figure within the Syrian opposition movement National Coordinating Committee, active in working towards peaceful political dialogue and transition in Syria”, Ashton said, adding that he “has chosen to pursue the path of peaceful change by remaining in Syria and working among Syrians”. Ashton also called for the release of a prominent human rights activist and lawyer, Khalil Maatouk, who was detained by armed men when he was leaving his home in Damascus. (CG/transl.fl)