Syrian deputy oil minister announces resignation [defects]

The Telegraph ^ | 3/8/2012 | Amy Willis

[bruinbirdman]

Syria’s deputy oil minister has announced his resignation, saying he is instead joining the anti-government revolt against President Bashar Assad in a video posted on YouTube overnight.

Abdo Hussameddin

Abdo Hussameddin, 58, one of the highest ranking Syrian officials to defect since the uprising began one year ago, said he did not want to die “serving a criminal regime”.

Mr Hussameddin, who served in the Syrian government for 33 years, also denounced Russia and China for backing the regime saying they were not "friends of the Syrian people but partners in the killing of the Syrian people".

The resignation came shortly after the United Nation’s first visit to the city of Homs, a major battleground between loyalist and rebel forces, in which Baroness Amos said parts were “completely devastated” after recent bombardments.

The announcement was also just hours after Leon Panetta, the US defence chief, agreed to look at giving non-lethal aid to the Syrian rebels, the first hint at US assistance to forces seeking Assad’s downfall.

In the video, which was filmed at a secret location, the minister said: "I, the engineer Abdo Hussameddin, the deputy oil minister ... announce my defection from the regime and my resignation.

"I am joining the revolution of the people who reject injustice and the brutal campaign of the regime, which is seeking to crush the people's demand

[org.whodat]

Dead man walking:

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks bruinbirdman.

...said he did not want to die "serving a criminal regime".

I didn't even know Obama had offered him a job.

[FES0844]

Saving his own backside.