Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has again promised both reform and retaliation in response to the turmoil in his country.
In a speech Tuesday on state television, the defiant Mr. Assad vowed to crack down on “terrorists with an iron fist.” He blamed “foreign interference” for the 10-month anti-government uprising which, the U.N. says, has left at least 5,000 people dead. He also claimed he retains the support of his people, and he denied ordering security forces to shoot at civilians.
“Our priority now is to regain security which our country has enjoyed for decades. This can only be achieved by hitting the terrorists with an iron hand. There will be no leniency for those who are using weapons to kill our civilians. We will not be lenient with those who work with outsiders against their nation and people.”
In his speech, the Syrian leader also promised to let the people vote in March on a new constitution that would focus on a multi-party system. He said parliamentary elections will follow and could be held as soon as May.
In addition to his criticism of the West, Mr. Assad had harsh worlds for the Arab League, which has suspended Syria and now has sent a team of monitors to see whether Damascus is keeping its promise to end the crackdown.
Syrian activists watching the address on television in Turkey said they doubt Mr. Assad will carry out any of his promises.
“All his speech is a kind of propaganda and a kind of lie. He wants to say to the international community and to the Arab world that he is good and he is going to change, even [though] he [will] not. He will not do anything.''
The U.N. Security Council said Tuesday that 400 people — an average of 40 each day — have been killed since the Arab League observers arrived in Syria December 26.
U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice strongly condemned the surge in violence and blamed it on Damascus, saying it is clear that the Syrian regime is massacring its own people in “cold blood.” She also expressed concern about reports that at least two Kuwaitis who are part of the Arab League monitoring mission were injured in Syria by pro-regime elements.
Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi condemned the attack, and said he holds the Syrian government responsible for protecting the observers.
Syrian activists say at least 10 people were shot dead by Syrian security forces in the northeastern city of Deir el-Zour Tuesday.
Some outside Syria, including Turkey's leadership, have expressed fears the situation is nearing civil war.
VOA
Stumble It!
