Damascus Discharges Syrian Ambassador to Iraq

Damascus said on Thursday it has discharged the Syrian ambassador to Iraq, a day after media reports said the envoy has defected.

The Foreign Ministry declared Nawaf Fares was discharged and had no relation with Damascus.

"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."
The former envoy was quoted by Doha-based channel, al-Jazeera, as saying he had defected.
"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.”