Swears in new government

Assad swears in the new government of Syria. He says security and reconstruction will be top priorities, urges ministers to tackle corruption, and says the new government must ‘provide a new vision’ and avoid the ‘negatives of the previous stage.’ The government includes 11 new ministers, with most of the changes in portfolios related to finance and the economy. Voting for the new cabinet took place only in districts under government control. While the security situation remains dire, he says this cannot stand in the way of national unity:

This issue is being addressed by the defence ministry and the army… At the same time, it is important to continue with national reconciliation.