Syrian minister announces defection in online video A senior Syrian government minister has announced his defection from the regime in a video on a social network site. Deputy Oil Minister Abdo Hussameldin became the first high ranking civilian official to abandon President Bashar al-Assad since the uprising against his rule erupted a year ago. I Abdo Hussameldin, Deputy Oil and Mineral Wealth Minister in Syria ... I announce my defection from the regime, resignation as deputy to the Oil and Wealth Minister ....and I am withdrawing from the Baath Party. I declare (I am) joining the revolution of this nation," Hussameldin said. In a message to Bashar al-Assad's administration, Hussalmeldin said: "You brought a year of sadness and misery to those you claim to be your people, and deprived them from basic needs and humanity and brought the country to the brink of disaster through your stubbornness and arrogance while you are cut off from reality. The country's economy has almost collapsed. The authenticity of the video, which was taken at an undisclosed location, could not be immediately confirmed.