Damascus, Aug 22 (ANI): Syrian President Basher al-Assad has shrugged off international calls for him to step down, saying that he is "not worried" about unrest sweeping the country, and threatened repercussions if outside powers try to intervene militarily in his country.
Al-Assad said he would introduce reforms that will allow for multi-party elections within six months, The Telegraph reports.
Amid reports that the regime of Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi is on the verge of collapse, the Syrian president vowed that military action against his country will "bring repercussions".
Although Assad acknowledged in television interview that the security situation had become "more militant" in recent weeks, he insisted: "We are capable of dealing with it.. I am not worried."
It was his fourth public appearance since the revolt against his family's 40-year rule erupted in mid-March.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia had called on the Syrian leadership to "stop the killing machine" operations that it has launched against pro-democracy activists.
Criticizing the recent offensive to crush dissent that left scores of people dead and raised fresh fears of a civil war, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah had said: "Saudi Arabia announces the recall of its ambassador for consultations," adding that Syrian leadership should "stop the killing machine and the bloodshed... before it is too late." (ANI)
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