Syria: Opposition lauds oil minister's defection

The head of the Syrian National Council (CNS), Burhan Ghalioun, has lauded the defection of the Syrian oil minister, calling on other government officials to follow his lead.

"I welcome the deputy minister who defected and I urge all government members and officials (...) to join the ranks of the revolution for freedom and dignity," Ghalioun told AFP, adding: "I am sure other members of the government and politicians will do the same." (AFP)