DAMASCUS: Syrian President Bashar Al Assad yesterday announced a new cabinet with key posts of foreign, defence and interior ministry unchanged and dozens of people were killed nationwide.

At least 48 people were killed across the country.

The announcement came less than two months after controversial parliamentary elections boycotted by the opposition.

"President Bashar Al Assad has issued Decree 210 forming a new government under Prime Minister Dr Riad Hijab," state television said.

Foreign Minister Walid Al Muallem remains in his post, along with the defence and interior ministers, Daoud Rajha and Mohammad al-Shaar.

Rajha, in the post since August, was among those sanctioned by the US for his role in the crackdown on protesters.

An Arab diplomat, meanwhile, said that Saudi Arabia and Qatar are paying salaries to Syrian rebel forces.

"The payment has been going on for months and the agreement was made on April 2 by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with logistical organisation from Turkey where some Free Syrian Army factions are based," said the official.