Syrian Prime Minister Riyad Hijab has defected to the opposition seeking to overthrow President Bashar al Assad, marking one of the most high-profile desertions from the Damascus Government.
Syrian state television said Mr Hijab had been fired, but an official source in Amman said the dismissal followed his defection to neighbouring Jordan with his family.
A statement released by Mr Hijab said: "I announce my defection from the killing and terrorist regime and I announce that I have joined the ranks of the freedom and dignity revolution. I announce that I am from today a soldier in this blessed revolution."
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