Monday, Mar 12, 2012
PARIS (AFP)--Syrian regime stalwart and former defense minister Mustafa Tlass has arrived in Paris with one of his sons but they are not defecting, opposition representatives told AFP Monday.
Tlass arrived in France from Syria with his wife and his businessman son, the Paris-based opponents said. His other son, an officer in the Syrian regime's military, is believed still to be in Damascus.
Mohamad al-Rashdan, member of the National Committee for Support of the Syrian Revolution, told AFP: "He has been in France for five days after having an argument with Assef Shawkat, (President) Bashar al-Assad's brother-in-law."
Shawkat is the current deputy defense minister and husband of President Assad's sister, Bushra.
A source close to the Syrian community in exile told AFP: "Tlass and his son Firas arrived in Paris yesterday (Sunday). I don't think this is a defection. He will be here a while but it is with the regime's authorization."
Other Syrian regime opponents confirmed Tlass's presence in France but denied reports that he was about to announce his defection or that he was meeting with opposition members.
French foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said he could not confirm Tlass's presence. "I have no information on this matter," Valero said. "Apparently defections are on the increase within the Syrian regime."
More than 8,500 people have died since March last year when Syrians first took to the streets demanding democratic reform and an end to Assad's regime, according to figures by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
12-03-12 1332GMT
