PM defection \'good for Syrian regime\'

The Syrian ambassador in Lebanon, Ali Abdel Karim Ali , has dismissed former Syrian premier Riad Hijab's defection from President Bashar al-Aasad's regime barely 60 days after the formation of his new government, saying: "The Prim Minister's defection was an annoying surprise, but at the same time it purifies the infrastructure of the Syrian state.” In an interview with Al Nour Radio, he charged foreign states and parties of preventing the Syrian people from establishing dialogue, which was still an urgent demand by all Syrians, adding: "There are significant chances for dialogue at this time precisely." He called on all opposition parties to reject foreign and US intervention. "Turkey runs away from facing facts and the events Syria are harmful to Turkish stability," he said. As for Syrian–Lebanese relations, he said Syria was keen to support Lebanon and its sovereignty. He said that Lebanon must not allow embassies of Western countries to influence relations between the two countries. He warned: "The militants in Lebanon influence Lebanese security as well as Syrian. This will turn into a burden for the Lebanese state," while urging the Lebanese army to respect agreements signed between the two sides. Ali claimed that the situation in Damascus was quiet and stable, saying: "Some skirmishes show how some parties face disorder...they should understand that the collapse of the Syrian regime is impossible." The ambassador also said Aleppo. Syria's largest city and a hotbed of clashes between rebels and regime forces, was known for its social integration. He stated that military operations there made great achievements, and inflicted heavy casualties on the ranks of the armed groups.