DAMASCUS: Syria's interim President Ahmed al Sharaa announced a new transitional government dominated by close allies and including one woman, replacing caretaker authorities in place. The announcement, initially scheduled for earlier this month, comes amid international calls for an inclusive Syrian transition following recent sectarian bloodshed, as the country's new leaders seek to reunite and rebuild Syria and its institutions after Assad's December 8 overthrow brought an end to 14 years of civil war.
Close associates of Sharaa held on to key positions, with Foreign Minister Assaad al Shaibani and Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra retaining their cabinet posts, while Anas Khattab, the head of general intelligence, was appointed interior minister.
Veteran opposition figure Hind Kabawat, a member of Syria's Christian minority and longtime Assad opponent, was named social affairs and labour minister, the first woman to be appointed by Sharaa. The leader of the White Helmets, the Syrian rescuers who worked in rebel-held areas, Raed al Saleh, was appointed minister of emergency situations and disasters. — AFP
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
