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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Blames Unrest On "Conspirators"

Jessika Walsten |
March 30, 2011 | 9:55 a.m. PDT

Deputy Editor

(Photo via Creative Commons)
(Photo via Creative Commons)
President Bashar al-Assad said Wednesday the Syrian unrest is the result of plots against his country.

The remarks were made during Assad's first televised speech since the turmoil began in Syria two weeks ago.

Assad said the conspiracies were putting the country through a "test of our unity." But it was important to stay strong.

"I belong to the Syrian people, and whoever belongs to the Syrian people will always keep his head high," he said.

The New York Times tells of the anticipation surrounding the speech:

The speech had been highly anticipated inside and outside Syria for signs that Mr. Assad would lift or ease the state of emergency that has underpinned his Baath Party’s hold on power since 1963. But he made no reference to any such action and the speech seemed likely to dismay protesters who have been demanding reform.

Mr. Assad’s appearance had been forecast as an attempt to calm tensions after government forces repeatedly opened fire on demonstrators in recent days, killing dozens of people as Syrians clamored for the same reforms that have become the rallying cry of many across the Arab world.

On Tuesday, Assad's cabinet resigned. The move was accompanied by a choreographed show of support for the president with the government busing in thousands of Syrians to the capital city of Damascus and pressuring others to attend a rally. At the rally, Syrians were seen holding photos of Assad and were heard chanting "Only God, Syria and Bashar!"

Watch part of the speech in a report given by Al Jazeera below:



 

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