Assad reshuffle keeps key ministers in place
Source: Agencies |
June 24, 2012, Sunday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
SYRIAN President Bashar al-Assad issued a decree to form a new government yesterday, shaking up many cabinet posts but keeping the heads of the interior, defence and foreign ministries, state television reported.
The reappointment of Defence Minister Daoud Rajha will quash widespread rumors, previously denied by the government, that he had been assassinated by rebels struggling to bring down Assad's rule.
The 16-month uprising, which has faced a government crackdown, is being termed a civil war by foreign observers. Assad argues he is pursuing reforms even as he fights a revolt he says is led by foreign-backed militants.
Critics say Assad's appointment of Riyad Hijab as prime minister earlier this month was a sign the president was turning to hardline loyalists. Hijab formed the new government given Assad's approval, Syria TV said yesterday.
Meanwhile, an Arab diplomat, who asked to remain anonymous, said yesterday that Saudi Arabia and Qatar are paying wages to rebel forces fighting in the Syrian revolt against Assad.
A Saudi Arabia foreign ministry spokesman said he was not aware of reports that the kingdom was funding rebels.
The reappointment of Defence Minister Daoud Rajha will quash widespread rumors, previously denied by the government, that he had been assassinated by rebels struggling to bring down Assad's rule.
The 16-month uprising, which has faced a government crackdown, is being termed a civil war by foreign observers. Assad argues he is pursuing reforms even as he fights a revolt he says is led by foreign-backed militants.
Critics say Assad's appointment of Riyad Hijab as prime minister earlier this month was a sign the president was turning to hardline loyalists. Hijab formed the new government given Assad's approval, Syria TV said yesterday.
Meanwhile, an Arab diplomat, who asked to remain anonymous, said yesterday that Saudi Arabia and Qatar are paying wages to rebel forces fighting in the Syrian revolt against Assad.
A Saudi Arabia foreign ministry spokesman said he was not aware of reports that the kingdom was funding rebels.
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