Damascus: Syria has formed a new government under recently-appointed Prime Minister Adel Safar, state media have announced. The previous government resigned after protests calling for reform broke out last month in a number of cities.
Meanwhile, the US has accused Syria of accepting help from Iran to crack down on protests – a claim denied by Syria.
The unrest is seen as the biggest challenge to Assad, who inherited power from his father in 2000.
About 200 people have died in the protests against his rule and hundreds more arrested.
State TV said that many people detained over the protests would be released, although the exact number was unclear.
“The president has decided to free all those held against the backdrop of recent events, except those who committed criminal acts against the homeland and its citizens,” state TV said.
US State Department spokesman Mark Toner said there was “credible information” suggesting that Iran has been helping Syria to quell protests.
“If Syria’s turning to Iran for help, it can’t be very serious about real reform,” Toner told reporters.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription