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Assad controls only 30% of Syria: ex-PM

AMMAN, Aug 14 (KUNA) -- Syria's former prime minister Riad Hijab, who fled to Jordan last week along with his family after defecting, said on Tuesday the regime was collapsing and now only controls 30 percent of the conflict-wracked country.
"The Syrian regime only controls 30 percent of Syria's territory. It has collapsed militarily, economically and morally," Hijab told a news conference in Amman.
"I assure you, based on my experience and the post I held, that the regime has cracked." Hijab said he had made his decision to quit his post on August 5 and did not render his resignation.
"I decided to leave on August 5 after losing hope that this corrupt and brutal regime would change. The trip to Jordan took three days," he said, adding "I was not sacked." "I have no interest in holding any position, now or in the future following the liberation of Syria." Hijab, who was agriculture minister until being appointed prime minister on June 6, urged Syria's rebels to "continue their fight against the regime as the Syrian people have high hopes and faith in you". (end) ab.tg KUNA 141611 Aug 12NNNN