Rebels Pick New Leader In Syria - 28/02/1954

DAMASCUS, Syria, Feb. 28-

Anti Shishekly forces claimed complete victory in revolt-torn Syria today and proclaimed the aged former Premier Hachem Bey El Atassi as chief of state.

Syria’ army chief of staff, Col. Shawkat Shkeir, broadcast the proclamation over Damascus Radio after acting President Maahmoun Kuzbari announced he was resigning the post he assumed when Adib Shishekly fled into exile in Saudi Arabia. Kuzbari said Shishekly’s Cabinet also had agreed to quit for the sake of national unity.

The dramatic turn came after a night of rioting in which at least 21 persons were killed or seriously wounded when troops loyal to Shishekly fired on mobs demanding the resignation of the dictator’s Cabinet and the unseating of Kuzbari. It was the only outbreak of violence reported during the three-day revolution.