Syrian President relieves his brother from post of Vice President

Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Sunday issued Decree no. 8, dated February 8, 1998, providing for relieving his brother Dr. Raf'at al-Assad of his post as Syrian vice-president.

Raf'at was appointed vice-president in 1984. A few months later he left for Europe, mainly France where he stayed until 1996 when he returned home.

No official reason was given for the action.