<p>Syrian state-run news agency SANA says President Bashar Assad has appointed a new prime minister to replace one who defected this week to neighbouring Jordan.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Assad appointed Wael Nader al-Halqi, elevating him from the post of health minister.<br /><br />Halqi is a member of Assad’s ruling Baath party and hails from the southern city of Daraa, birthplace of the Syrian uprising.<br /><br />The 48-year-old held the post of secretary general of the Daraa branch of the Baath party from 2000-2004. He was appointed head of the doctors’ syndicate in 2010.<br /><br />The former premier, Riad Hijab, completed his defection by crossing into Jordan early on Wednesday. His defection was a humiliating blow for Assad’s regime.</p>
<p>Syrian state-run news agency SANA says President Bashar Assad has appointed a new prime minister to replace one who defected this week to neighbouring Jordan.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Assad appointed Wael Nader al-Halqi, elevating him from the post of health minister.<br /><br />Halqi is a member of Assad’s ruling Baath party and hails from the southern city of Daraa, birthplace of the Syrian uprising.<br /><br />The 48-year-old held the post of secretary general of the Daraa branch of the Baath party from 2000-2004. He was appointed head of the doctors’ syndicate in 2010.<br /><br />The former premier, Riad Hijab, completed his defection by crossing into Jordan early on Wednesday. His defection was a humiliating blow for Assad’s regime.</p>
