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International News Title: Syrian president blames protests on 'conspirators' DAMASCUS, Syria – Syria's president has blamed the wave of protests against his authoritarian rule on "conspirators" — but he failed to offer any concessions to appease the extraordinary wave of dissent. In an unusually short speech, President Bashar Assad blamed satellite TV stations and other media of fabricating lies and said Syria has overcome conspiracies targeting it before and will do so again. Assad had been widely expected to announce a series of reforms. Wednesday's speech was his first to the nation since the protests erupted nearly two weeks ago. Human rights groups say more than 60 people have been killed since March 18 in a crackdown on the protests. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below. DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Syrian President Bashar Assad blamed a wave of protests on "conspirators" who are trying to destroy the country, giving his first address to the nation Wednesday since the demonstrations erupted nearly two weeks ago. As he entered Parliament for the speech, legislators chanted "God, Syria and Bashar only!" and "Our souls, our blood we sacrifice for you Bashar." The speech is seen as a crucial test for his leadership and one that may determine Syria's future. Assad said security forces were given "clear instructions" not to harm citizens during the protests. Human rights groups say more than 60 people have been killed since March 18 in a crackdown on the protests. The coming days will be key to determining whether Assad's concessions will quiet the protest movement, which started after security forces arrested several teenagers who scrawled anti-government graffiti on a wall in the impoverished city of Daraa in the south. Assad also is expected to announce constitutional amendments and sweeping reforms, including an end to nearly 50 years of widely despised state of emergency laws that give the regime a free hand to arrest people without charges. On Tuesday, Assad fired his Cabinet in another move designed to pacify the anti-government protesters.
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