Syrian President Bashar al-Assad named Wael al-Halqi as prime minister Sunday and assigned him with the task to form a new government in accordance with the current constitution, state media reported.
The current constitution stipulates the formation of a new government with every new term of the president.
Al-Halqi was first appointed as prime minister of Syria Aug 9, 2012, after serving as health minister in the government of breakaway prime minister Riyad Hijab who fled to Jordan in the same year and declared allegiance to the Syrian opposition.
Assad won a third term in office and was sworn in July 16.
