Former Syrian Vice-President says Assad assassinated former Lebanese PM Hariri

Former Syrian vice-president Abdul Halim Khaddam said that "The situation in Syria when Bashar Assad took power became unbearable," pointing out that "he was not sure about the repercussions of his resignation however the fears started to vanish as soon as Assad asked him to meditate with former French President Jacques Chirac."

Khaddam expressed his regret for his political career with former president Hafez Assad; however he explained that he agreed with the former president to build a country based on democracy, freedom and justice but then it turned to favoritism and corruption.

In exclusive remarks published by Okaz Saudi daily, the former politician said that “Syrian President Bashar Assad is the assassinate of former PM Rafic Hariri, given that no security end can execute such act without consulting Assad and also no one has interest in killing Hariri but the Syrian president."

Khaddam added that a week before Hariri's assassination "the leaders of Baath party have met to discuss an internal issue not related to the foreign policy, when suddenly Assad said Hariri is a conspirator along with Chirac and US... but Hariri is our archenemy. The conferees were surprised by Assad words; and when I asked why did you say this and for what purpose? He remained silent."

[link to mtv.com.lb]