Syrian president addresses nation amid calls for reforms
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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said the "enemies are working systematically to undermine the country's stability," in his first address to the nation on Wednesday since the demonstrations erupted nearly two weeks ago.
"We confess their smartness in choosing the manners and time, but also we confess their stupidity in choosing the country," al- Assad said.
Syria is facing "big conspiracy" and is ready to launch reforms to meet people's demand, he added.
The unprecedented protests in the country is a "test for the nation," al-Assad said.
The president's remarks come in the wake of unprecedented anti- government protests that erupted in various parts of the country particularly the southern town of Daraa.
The protests turned into clashes between protesters and security forces, which have caused deaths of some 50 people, according to official sources.
In response to growing protests, al-Assad sacked the government on Tuesday and named Muhammad Naji Otri, head of the government, as the caretaker prime minister until a new cabinet is formed.
Otri formed his government in 2003 and has reshuffled the cabinet several times. It was last reshuffled in April 2009.
The Syrian authorities have accused "armed groups supported by foreign powers" of seeking to incite sectarian strife in the country, denouncing international news agencies' reports for " exaggeration and unprofessionalism" on covering latest events.
