Syria president blames protests on conspirators

DAMASCUS, Syria: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has blamed "conspirators" Wednesday for an extraordinary wave of dissent against his authoritarian regime, but did not lift the emergency law of the land concession or despised in his first speech since the protests began two weeks ago.
Assad said that Syria faces a "major conspiracy" aimed at weakening this country of 23 million. The Assad family has ruled Syria for nearly 40 years, using the security services are concerned to monitor and control the slightest rumors opposition. Draconian laws have virtually eradicated the civil and political liberties.
"We are not looking for battles," Assad, 45, said in an unusually short, televised speech before lawmakers who applauded and shouted for him the support of their seats. "But if a battle is imposed on us today ' Today, we are delighted. "
Assad's speech was surprising not so much for what he said but for what it left out. His adviser, Bouthaina Shaaban, said last week that Syria had formed a committee to study a series of reforms and constitutional amendments, including lifting the state of emergency laws in place since the party Assad's Ba'ath party took power in 1963.
Assad had been widely expected to formally announce the changes. But the fact he failed to mention one of them was a great disappointment to the thousands of demonstrators took to the streets since March 18, calling for reform. Human rights groups say more than 60 people were killed when security forces suppressed demonstrations.
Within minutes of his speech, social networking sites has exploded with the militants expressing major disappointment, with some calling on the Syrians to take the road immediately.