Syria has sacked Deputy Prime Minister Qadri Jamil, who according to reports met with US officials over the weekend without government permission, the official SANA news agency said.
US and Middle East officials told the Reuters news agency that Jamil met US pointman for Syria, and former American Ambassador to the country, Robert Ford in Switzerland at the weekend to discuss the proposed “Geneva 2” talks. The talks are aimed at launching negotiations between Syria’s government and the rebel movement seeking its removal.
“Jamil was dismissed because he left his centre of work without prior permission and did not follow up on his duties … Additionally, he undertook activities outside the nation without coordinating with the government,” a statement posted on Syria TV said.
