Former vice president steps up criticism of Syrian regime

A FORMER Syrian vice president who has openly broken with President Bashar Assad has intensified his criticism, saying the Damascus regime has outlived its time and is unlikely to survive much longer.

Abdul-Halim Khaddam, who left his post in the Syrian government in June, was asked in an interview with AP whether he supported regime change.

“Yes,” he replied, adding that he had no personal interest in leading the drive to oust Mr Assad.