  New Syrian cabinet includes ethnic Armenian minister September 1, 2014 - 13:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian President Bashar Assad has sworn in the country’s new government at a ceremony in Damascus. According to RIA Novosti, during a ceremony held Sunday, Aug 31, Assad urged the ministers to “provide a new vision”, adding that the success of the new government will depend on “earning the trust of citizens through transparency and credibility.” The new Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi, consists of 11 newly appointed ministers, including ethnic Armenian Nazira Serkis, who will serve as State Minister for Environment Affairs. In June, Bashar Assad was reelected as Syrian president with 88.7 percent of the vote. According to the UN, the civil war in Syria has claimed more than 191,000 lives while more than 3 million Syrians have become refugees, with over half of the country’s population has been displaced since the beginning of the conflict. Photo: SANA   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation  Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims.First Canadian expert join EU mission in Armenia The first Canadian expert to join the European Union’s civilian mission in Armenia has arrived in Armenia.Armenian cemetery in Fresno hit by arsons six times since January Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance.Iran vows to “decisively” defend sovereignty, national interests The Iranian embassy in Armenia has defended its “defensive and proportional action in in occupied Palestine.” |
