Syrian President Bashar al-Assad unveiled his new government on Saturday, less than two month after a disputed parliamentary election boycotted by the opposition, the TV station al Arabiya reported.
"President Bashar Al Assad has issued Decree 210 forming a new government under prime minister Dr Riad Hijab," state television said.
Defense Minister Dawoud Rajiha retained his post, as did Foreign Minister Walid Al Muallem and Interior Minister Ibrahim Shaar.
Several new ministries were also established, including for internal trade and consumer protection.
Meanwhile, at least 15 people were killed across Syria on Saturday,while 116 people, including 69 civilians, were killed on Friday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
The joint UN-Arab League envoy on Syria Kofi Annan said on Friday it was "time for countries of influence to raise the level of pressure" on both the Syrian and opposition and Assad to end the spiraling violence there that the UN says has claimed more than 12,000 lives since March 2011.
