Assad States that Syrians Support his Reforms

Syrians and the reform of Bashar al-Assad

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told the Russian state news channel ‘Rossiya’ that his countrymen support his reform agenda. The government of Syria praised the May 7 vote as a support of their political reforms after fifty-one percent of Syrian voters took part in the elections.

The opposition however boycotted the polls and said they were orchestrated by the regime to strengthen al-Assad’s grip on power. Assad’s forces are trying to crush a 14-month-old rebellion against his government.

A United Nations ceasefire plan has failed to end the violence, while the Syrian security forces killed 21 people today. (AV)