Syrian Cabinet Summoned After Prime Minister's Defection

Rearranging the deck chairs on the Hindenburg

Syria's new interim premier met his Cabinet after Prime Minister Riad Hijab disappeared in what rebels said was his defection to the opposition.

Omar Ghalawanji, the acting premier, met ministers yesterday, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported. Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi indirectly confirmed Hijab's departure, saying that anyone who fled the country and illegitimately abandoned a government post showed a lack of political and national awareness, the state-run news agency reported.