Syrian Vice President Abdul-Halim Khaddam announced his intention to resign from his governmental position and the Baath Party that has ruled Syria for four decades.
Khaddam declared his intention to step down at the beginning of the 10th Qatari conference of the Syrian Baath Party, which is expected to call for political and economic openness in Syria.
The reasons for Khaddam’s resignation have not been disclosed, and it is unclear whether the party has accepted it.
Ahmad al-Haj Ali, a member of the Development Committee in the Baath Party, was quoted by Reuters as saying, “Khaddam announced his intention to resign in the meeting of the political committee (of the party) and said he would submit his resignation. He cited personal reasons, which seem to be health-related, and he will remain loyal to the party.”
Haj Ali stated that Khaddam mentioned that he wants to make room for the younger generations within the party, saying, “It’s his personal desire. He wants to set a positive example for the younger generation.”
Abdul-Halim Khaddam, born in 1932, is one of the oldest Syrian leaders, having worked with former President Hafez al-Assad. He held the position of Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister before being promoted to the position of Vice President in the 1980s.
Daniel Nasif, a regional analyst at BBC, notes that Khaddam’s political influence has been diminishing in recent years. He is also viewed as the architect of Syrian influence in Lebanon.
Earlier this year, international pressure compelled Syria to withdraw its forces from Lebanon after 30 years of deployment.
