The first Wael al-Halqi government is considered a continuation of the Riyad Hijab government of Syria. On 6 August 2012, after the defection of Riyad Hijab,[1] the president Bashar al-Assad issued Decree No. 294 to relieve Hijab from his position[2] and Decree No. 295 to name Omar Ibrahim Ghalawanji as caretaker Prime Minister.[3] On 9 August 2012, Decree No. 298 established the appointment of Wael Nader al-Halqi as Prime Minister.[4]