Syrian President al-Assad unveils new government

Syrian President al-Assad unveils new government

2011-04-15 02:16:01 GMT+7 (ICT)

DAMASCUS, SYRIA (BNO NEWS) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday unveiled a new government headed by Adel Safar as Prime Minister following weeks of unrest, the state-run SANA news agency reported.

The previous cabinet decided to step down due to the recent mass anti-government protests. The new government also includes General Ali Habib as Defense Minister and Judge Tayseer Qala Awwad as Minister of Justice.

In addition, President al-Assad gave instructions to release all protesters who did not commit criminal acts and were detained during the recent unrests. The move is an attempt of the Syrian leader to presser stability and unity among the population.

Also this day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates was established as indicated in the legislative decree 50, which was presented by President al-Assad. The new office will be led by Walid al-Moallem.

On Tuesday, the United States condemned the repression of protesters by the government and the denial of medical care for those wounded in the April 8 demonstrations in Syrian towns.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) informed that at least 28 people were killed in protests in three towns on that day. Since March 18, at least 130 protesters have been killed in Daraa and surrounding villages during peaceful demonstrations.

President al-Assad pledged to investigate these reports as well as promising a series of reforms in a bid to restore calm. He also agreed to analyze the possible end to the country's emergency rule that began in 1963.

Protesters are demanding the ouster of al-Assad, who took over the post from his father Hafez al-Assad in 2000, and calling for greater freedoms. The country has been ruled by the Baath Party since 1963.

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