Syrian authorities have charged a former governor of the eastern province of Deir Ezzor with embezzling public funds, the official Ath Thawra newspaper reported on Wednesday.

"In the context of government measures to fight corruption, a lawsuit has been filed against Fawaz Al-Saleh, the former governor of Deir Ezzor and a number of other governorate council members," the paper said.

They stand accused of "misappropriation of public property" and "serious shortcomings" in the distribution of basic goods.

Saleh, who was named governor in January this year, was replaced in September.

Also on Wednesday, Prime Minister Wael Al-Halqi "dismissed 352 employees from different ministries", state news agency SANA reported.

The agency said the dismissals came "in the context of continuing efforts by the government to fight corruption".

Syria's government, battling an uprising that began in March 2011, has been keen to show it is tackling graft and carrying out reforms.

The country has long placed near the bottom of Transparency International's list of most corrupt nations, coming in at 114 out of 176 last year.