In a statement to the leadership commenting on Khaddam's interview to the Arab satellite channel Al-Arabiya, the Baath party accused him of "joining the chorus of those hostile to Syria" pointing out that he is "tied by that to the US-Israeli scheme which serves the Israeli interests that are to impose control on the region," the statement said. It added: "Khaddam has betrayed his homeland and nation."

Earlier the Syrian parliament met and anonymously called for trying Khaddam as a traitor.

Political observers in Lebanon that monitor Syria expected this reaction from the Baath party and the parliament, both of which are considered as a rubber stamp for the Assad regime.

Khaddam in the interview said he decided to side with Syria and not with the regime and that is why he resigned and left the country.

Mohammad Jamal Barout, a prominent political columnist commented in the Saudi Arabian paper "Alwatan" on Khaddam's interview saying "Khaddam's interview spells the end of the Assad regime."

The Assad regime will be under increased pressure as a result of Khaddam's interview. Ya Libnan reported that the UN has already asked to interview him and his foreign minister Farouk Al Sharaa and is awaiting their response.

Sources: SANA, Alwatan