New Cabinet For Syria Is Formed
Government Given Leaning to Leftist National Front
Associated Press
DAMASCUS, Syria, Dec. 31 - Premier Sabri Assali today formed a new 11-man coalition government which is expected to stick even more tightly to Syria’s so-called “psoitive neutrality” policies
An official announcemen said the new cabinet representing the leftist “National Front” includes ministers of Assali’s National Party, Foreign Minister Salah Bitar’s Socialist Resurrection (Baath) Party, the Arab Liberation Movement, the Democratic bloc and three independents.
Assali’s 10-man coalition cabinet resigned on Dec. 22 after six months in office in order to give him a chance to put together a more cohesive government.
Important Post
The important Interior Ministry, which was held by Ahmed Qanbar, will be held by Premier Assali himself. It had been coveted by the Socialists.
The announcement said President Shukri Kuwatly had approved the following appointments:
Assali, Premier and acting Interior Minister.
Salah Bitar, Foreign Minister
Khalil Kallas, Socialist, national economic
Fakher Kayyali, Nationalist, public works
Asad Haroon, Nationalist, health
Khaled Azm, Independent, State Minister and acting Defence Minister
Asad Mahassen, Independent, education
Hani Sibai, Independent, education
Dr Mamoun KUzbari, Arab Liberation, justice and social affairs
Saleh Ayeel, Democrat, State Minister
Hamed Khouja, Democrat, agriculture
Soviets Favoured
The new lineup appeared to resolve a two-month struggle for power within the Syrian government somewhat in favor of the Soviet Union.
In that tug-of-war, the National and Socialist Parties, which favoured accepting arms and aid from Russia were arrayed against the Populist Party of interior Minister Qanbar, now out of the Government.