A Syrian official on Wednesday welcomed the resignation of Lakhdar Brahimi as the joint United Nations-Arab League envoy for Syria, calling for the appointment of a "more objective" mediator.

Brahimi, a veteran, 80-year-old Algerian diplomat known for his patience, tried unsuccessfully for nearly two years to mediate an end to Syria's civil war.

His resignation marks a second failure by the U.N. and the Arab League to end Syria's worsening conflict and highlights the deep divisions among the Syrian parties and key countries on how to restore peace.

Brahimi recently criticized Assad's intention to hold presidential elections amid the war, saying it would hamper prospects for a political solution that the country so urgently needs. His comments angered the Syrian government, which intends to hold a vote on June 3 .

Sayegh, the Syrian official, said Brahimi had a habit of interfering in Syrian internal affairs.

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