Syrian vice-president to stand down

DAMASCUS - Veteran Syrian vice-president Abdel-Halim Khaddam has expressed his intention of quitting his official position, party officials said on the first day of a congress of the ruling Baath Party.

Khaddam, one of two Syrian vice-presidents, is one of the country's longest-serving leaders, having worked under both current President Bashar al-Assad and his late father and predecessor, Hafez al-Assad.

"He declared his intention to resign at the meeting of the (party's) political committee. He said he will present his resignation," Ahmad al-Haj Ali, a member of the Baath Party's development committee.

"He cited personal reasons, apparently health reasons, and that he will remain loyal to the party," Haj Ali told Reuters.

Before becoming vice-president in the early 1980s, Khaddam, believed to be about 72, served as foreign minister from the early days of the presidency of the late Assad who ruled the country for three decades.

The younger Assad kept Khaddam in his position after assuming power in 2000.

"The remarks were made during a meeting of the political committee of the party to which resignations are not normally submitted. It can neither accept not reject any resignation," a party source said.

"He said he wants to make room for younger generations of the party," the source added.

A third source said Khaddam did not announce his resignation, simply his intention to give up his position.

The congress spokeswoman was not immediately available for comment.

A long-serving party member said resignations at this level can only be submitted officially to the president and all party positions become vacant by default when congress is in session.

- REUTERS