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January 10, 2012

Syrian President Assad Claims Foreign Conspiracy Behind Protests 
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In his first public address since June, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad
blamed a foreign conspiracy and terrorists for the 10-month-old popular
uprising that has threatened his rule. Assad denied there was a
government policy to shoot demonstrators, but he vowed to strike
"terrorists with an iron fist." Over the past 10 months, Syrian security
forces have killed more than 5,000 civilians.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad: "We do not close the door for the
solutions or suggestions, and we do not close any door for any Arab
initiative, as they respect Syrian sovereignty and the freedom of our
decision and care about the unity of our nation."

Meanwhile, new video was posted online Monday purportedly from the
Syrian city of Homs. It shows protesters being dispersed by gunfire as
they escort a car carrying Arab League monitors.



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