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April 14, 2011 / 4:36 PM

Assad names new Syrian Cabinet

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad waves to supporters in the street after addressing parliament on March 30, 2011 in Damascus, Syria. Al-Assad ordered a committee to conduct an investigation into the deaths of protesters and also to study the lifting of emergency laws. UPI

1 of 4 | Syrian President Bashar al-Assad waves to supporters in the street after addressing parliament on March 30, 2011 in Damascus, Syria. Al-Assad ordered a committee to conduct an investigation into the deaths of protesters and also to study the lifting of emergency laws. UPI | License Photo

DAMASCUS, Syria, April 14 (UPI) -- Syrian President Bashar Assad announced a new government Thursday headed by former Agriculture Minister Adel Safar as prime minister.

Two of the most important Cabinet posts remain in the same hands. Lt. General Ali Habib remains minister of defense and Walid al-Moallem foreign minister, the state news agency SANA reported.

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The government reshuffle is an effort to quell the unrest that has spread across Syria. Assad's response has combined cracking down on demonstrations with scores of protesters killed by security forces, promises of reform and efforts to reach out to various groups.

Major Gen. Mohammad Ibrahim al-Shaar was named interior minister. The Jordanian-based news Web site Al-Bawaba said he will be responsible for security forces.

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Walid al-Moallem

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