Syria’s Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali appointed Bassam Sabbagh as the new foreign minister, replacing former Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, who was appointed vice president for foreign and information policies.
Jalali, previously the Communications Minister, was named the new prime minister by President Bashar Assad after July’s parliamentary election. Maj. Gen. Ali Abbas retained his position as defense minister and Maj. Gen. Mohammed Khaled Rahmoun remained interior minister.
Jalali’s appointment comes amidst EU sanctions imposed in 2014 due to the Assad regime’s actions during the civil conflict. Assad also issued an amnesty for crimes committed before September 22, including avoiding mandatory military service.
The new government’s formation follows a series of similar amnesties issued by Assad in previous years.
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