Syrian President Bashar Assad meeting with the ministers of the newly-formed government

XYB08. Damascus (Syrian Arab Republic), 31/08/2014.- A handout photo made available by Syria’s Arab News Agency, SANA, shows Syrian General Fahed Jassem al-Freij, Minister of Defense (L) taking the oath before Syrian President Bashar Assad (R) in Damascus, Syria, 31 August 2014. The newly-formed Cabinet was sworn in before Syrian President Bashar Assad. The new government was formed on 27 August 2014 and brought in 11 new ministers. Reports state that most of the old important ministers retained their posts, including the defense, foreign affairs, and interior ministers. (Siria) EFE/EPA/SANA / HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES