Syria's Al-Sharaa Announces Formation of New Government

Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced the formation of a new government on Saturday evening, expressing his desire to "build a strong and stable state." The foreign and defense ministers retained their portfolios in this cabinet, while Anas Khattab, head of the General Intelligence Directorate, was appointed interior minister.

Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced Saturday evening that a new government had been formed, stressing his determination to "build a strong and stable state."

In a speech delivered during the government announcement ceremony, al-Sharaa, who took power on December 8, emphasized his desire to "build a strong and stable state."

Since an Islamist-led coalition of armed factions ousted former President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, a caretaker ministerial team has been appointed pending the formation of a new government.

Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, both close to al-Sharaa, retained their portfolios in the new government announced Saturday evening. Anas Khattab, head of the General Intelligence Directorate and also close to Sharaa, was appointed Minister of the Interior.

Hind Qabawat, a Christian and opponent of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, was appointed Minister of Social Affairs and Labor. She was a member of the preparatory committee for the National Dialogue Conference held in February.

Raed al-Saleh, head of the White Helmets, which previously carried out rescue operations in opposition-held areas, was appointed Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management.

The announcement, initially expected on March 1, comes as the international community calls for a comprehensive transition in Syria.

The new authorities are seeking to reunify the country and rebuild its institutions after Assad's ouster.

Since an Islamist-led coalition of armed factions ousted the former president on December 8, a caretaker minister has been appointed pending the formation of a new government.

After being declared interim president in January, Sharaa is overseeing the five-year transitional period following nearly 14 years of civil war.

Elections based on a new constitution are expected to follow the transitional period.

Meanwhile, the interim constitutional declaration grants him full powers to form the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, although it stipulates respect for the separation of powers.