Damascus, April 05: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has officially appointed Mohammad Khalid al-Hanous as the new governor of the southern town of Daraa.
Assad appointed Hanous to the post on Monday, Syrian Arab News Agency reported.
The new governor replaced Faysal Kalthum who was dismissed last month after sporadic protests sparked violence in several cities, starting from Daraa.
The Syrian president also sacked Prime Minister Naji al-Otri on Sunday and appointed former Agriculture Minister Adel Safar to form a new cabinet.
A government committee is investigating the deaths of civilians and troops in Daraa and the port city of Latakia. Officials say the results will be published soon.
Authorities have denied allegations that security forces are responsible for the death of scores of protesters.
They blame the violence on armed groups, saying security forces have been given clear instructions not to hurt civilians.
Damascus says the protests and the ensuing violence are organized by foreign sources and aim to destabilize the country.
——–Agencies