(FILES) — In this file picture dated September 16, 2012, Syrian vice premier for economic affairs Qadri Jamil speaks addresses reporters on a comprehensive opposition conference in the Syrian capital Damascus. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad sacked his vice premier on October 29, 2013, saying the official had been absent without leave and carried out unauthorised meetings abroad, the official SANA news agency said. AFP PHOTO / LOUAI BESHARA