Syria Rebel 'Premier' Says Order, Security Top Priorities

The Syrian opposition's provisional prime minister said Tuesday that civil order, security and basic human needs are to be the top priorities in zones under rebel control.

Ahmed Tomeh said his government would be one of "work and not words... and will have as its top priorities establishing security and civil order in the liberated zones of Syria and to respond to vital needs."

He was speaking in Istanbul following the announcement of a transitional government composed of nine ministers.

Insisting that security was "at the top of priorities," he confirmed his team's commitment to the "general policies of the (National) Coalition," the main opposition alliance.

He said his people would work to "activate the role of local councils to administer cities, towns and villages and respond to the needs of citizens."

He said they would also set up a special agency to provide aid to Palestinian refugees inside Syria and abroad.