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Syrian President Denounces Foreign 'Conspiracy' on Protests

VOA News March 30, 2011

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in a speech to the nation on Wednesday, blamed foreigners and social media for creating a "conspiracy" to bring down his regime.

The address comes amid deadly opposition protests representing the most serious threat to Assad's 11-year-rule and the long-standing authority of his family. It was his first address to the nation since the protests erupted.

Speaking from parliament chambers, Assad said his government has created some reforms to meet protesters' demands, including raising salaries and changing his Cabinet.

Assad accepted his Cabinet's resignation on Tuesday. The government of Prime Minister Mohammed Naji al-Otari stepped down and a new Cabinet is likely to be unveiled soon but he will continue to serve in the interim.

Assad said his government sometimes fails in "marketing" its message to the people.

Protesters have been demanding that Assad lift Syria's 50-year-old emergency law which prohibits demonstrations. But the law received a brief mention in the speech and Assad gave no indication of a change.

In another reference to anti-government protests, Assad said there was "chaos" in the country under the pretext of reform.

The southern city of Daraa has been the focal point of the anti-government demonstrations. Assad said the people of Daraa were not responsible for causing the unrest but did have a responsibility to end the divisions that have taken place.

Parliament chambers were filled during Assad's speech. Some in the audience interrupted the speech to praise Mr. Assad. Syrian state television showed hundreds of people in a square cheering Assad during the speech.

Syrian security officials have cracked down on recent anti-government demonstrations, firing tear gas and live ammunition to disperse protesters. The group Human Rights Watch says at least 61 people have been killed since the unrest began.

Assad said security forces were instructed not to harm demonstrators during recent protests.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.