Syria forms new caretaker government

Syria's interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa announced late Saturday the formation of a caretaker government that will lead the country through a crucial transition as it emerges from more than 50 years of dictatorship under the Assad family's iron-fisted rule.

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Mr Sharaa, who led the coalition of rebel forces that overthrew the Assad regime, appointed a bevy of new ministers, swearing each in at a small ceremony in a brightly lit hall in the presidential palace on a hill above Damascus.

His government included some experienced officials, and one woman but he appointed close allies to the important ministries of defence, foreign affairs and interior.

The rebels who ousted President Bashar Assad in December have since been the de facto authorities. Mr Sharaa was named interim president and oversaw a transitional government.

Among Mr Sharaa's early promises was to form a caretaker government by March 15 and return the country until elections can be held. He has said it could take up to four years to hold elections because the country is in disarray.