Syria: Defected PM says government 'near collapse'

15 Aug 2012, 8:23 am   -   Source: AAP
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In his first public comments since defecting, Syria's former premier has said he has a 'pain in his soul' and has called on 'honorable leaders' to leave.

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Syria's defected prime minister says Bashar Assad's regime is near collapse and has urged other political and military leaders to tip the scales and join the rebel side.

"The regime is on the verge of collapse morally and economically," Riad Hijab told a news conference on Tuesday in his first public comments since fleeing to Jordan with his family last week.

Hijab is the highest-ranking political figure to defect from Assad's regime.

He said he felt "pain in his soul" over the regime's shelling of rebel strongholds as the government stepped up its military offensive.

"I was powerless to stop the injustice," he said, speaking in front of the rebel flag.

He called on "honourable leaders" in Syria to defect.

"Syria is full of honourable officials and military leaders who are waiting for the chance to join the revolution," he said.

"I urge the army to follow the example of Egypt's and Tunisia's armies - take the side of people."

Hijab said he was now backing the rebels, but gave no clue on his plans. There had been speculation that he would travel to the Gulf nation of Qatar, which is one of the rebels' main supporters.

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Your Comments

Shame on you SBS!

NothingButTheTruth - from Melbourne, 9 months ago

Shame on you SBS for showing too much sympathy for those terrorists so-called Free Syrian Army. You are showing only the rebels side of the story. I remember watching your news last month and you were saying that the government was going to collapse when the rebels capture Damuscus, the rebels were defeated, now again you are saying the government is going to collapse? Why not tell people the obvious truth that the rebels are never going to succeed in Syria?! Go Press Tv!!

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