Manaf Tlas, Syria’s defected general, in Paris
Manaf Tlas with Bashar al-Assad in August 1999. The high-ranking officer has reportedly deserted from the Syrian army over President Assad’s response to the country’s uprising.
PARIS, France – Syrian General Manaf Tlas, a former friend and ally of President Bashar al-Assad who fled Damascus last week, is in France, French President Francois Hollande said on Tuesday.
Tlas has yet to speak publicly since defecting and French officials had not confirmed his presence in the country until now.
"We have been informed about this situation. He is here," Hollande said at a news conference with his Tunisian counterpart Moncef Marzouki.
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