31 March,2011 07:08 AM IST | | Agencies
President Bashar Assad last night blamed conspirators for deadly unrest in Syria, but declined to elaborate on major reforms despite expectations he would lift a state of emergency.
Unmoving: President Basharu00a0Assad. Pic/AFP
In his first address to the nation since the protests erupted nearly two weeks ago, Assad failed to offer any concessions to appease the extraordinary wave of dissent. He accused the media of fabricating lies and said Syria has overcome conspiracies targeting it before and would do so again.
"I know that the Syrian people have been awaiting this speech since last week, but I was waiting to get the full picture . . . to avoid giving an emotional address that would put the people at ease but have no real effect, at a time when our enemies are targeting Syria," he said.
