Syria Discharges Defected Ambassador to Iraq

Syria's ambassador to Iraq, Nawaf Fares, who announced his defection to the opposition, has been "discharged," the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

"The ministry of foreign affairs announces that Nawaf Fares has been discharged and has no relation with our embassy in Baghdad, or with the foreign ministry," it said in a statement.

"Yesterday Nawaf al-Fares made statements to the media that are in contradiction with his duty, which consists of defending his country's position," the ministry added.

"Because of this he needs to be legally prosecuted and subjected to disciplinary action."

It added that the Syrian embassy in Baghdad would "continue its work as normal."

Fares defected on Wednesday and urged the army to turn its guns on the regime, becoming the first ambassador to abandon President Bashar Assad.

"I announce my defection from my post as representative of the Syrian Arab Republic in Iraq and my withdrawal from the ranks of the (ruling) Baath party," Fares said in a message aired on Al-Jazeera TV.

"I call on all free and worthy people in Syria, particularly in the military, to immediately join the ranks of the revolution," he said. "Turn your cannons and your tanks towards the criminals in the regime who are killing the people."