Jordan confirms hosting defecting Syria PM

Amman - Former Syrian Prime Minister Riyad Hijab arrived in Jordan on Wednesday, said Samih Maaytah, Jordan's government spokesman and Minister of State for Information and Media Affairs.

"Hijab entered Jordan in the early hours of Wednesday along with some of his family members," Maaytah told Xinhua, adding that he is in a safe place in Amman.

The minister did not give further details about whether Hijab will leave Jordan or not.

Hijab, who was appointed by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as prime minister in a cabinet reshuffle in June, was informed of his sacking Sunday evening, according to media reports.

The reports indicated Monday that Hijab entered Jordan after he defected along with several family members and ministers, but Maaytah later denied the reports.