Syrian President Assad swears in new government

Bashar al-Assad swore in his new government on Sunday, saying security and reconstruction would be top priorities and urging ministers to tackle corruption, AFP reported.

The new government, appointed earlier this week after Assad's June re-election, takes office as the death toll in the country's conflict since March 2011 soars past 191,000.

The crippling violence has decimated the country's economy and displaced approximately half its population, including three million Syrians who have taken refuge abroad.

Assad urged the new government to "provide a new vision," state news agency SANA reported, and to avoid the "negatives of the previous stage."

He said the government's success would depend on "earning the trust of citizens through transparency and credibility," SANA said.

He acknowledged that security remained the primary concern for the country, which has been torn apart by the violence that erupted after government crackdowns on anti-Assad protesters.

"This issue is being addressed by the defence ministry and the army... At the same time, it is important to continue with national reconciliation."