As world leaders meet at the "Friends of Syria" conference in Paris, word spreads that a top Syrian general has defected and is en route to France.<br/> <br />France's foreign minister confirmed the story, explaining that general Manaf Tlas, who went to military college with Assad, fled to Turkey last week and is now expected to arrive in France.<br/> <br />Many welcomed the news, believing that it could mean the Assad regime is crumbling.<br/> <br />A member of the Syrian opposition, however, warned the move may not be a good sign.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (French) KAMAL LABWANI, MEMBER OF SYRIAN OPPOSITION SAYING SAYING:<br/> <br />''He is definitely not a hero and he definitely did not defect because of a difference of intellect. He defected for two reasons: first, he was humiliated, second for sectarian reasons."<br/> <br />However, if the general stands behind the Syrian opposition, he will be the highest ranking official from the Assad regime to have switched sides since uprisings in Syria began 16 months ago.<br/> <br />Sarah Sheffer, Reuters
