Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says the opposition to his rule is growing more militant but he is confident it can be contained.
In an interview on August 21 on state TV, Assad also warned against any military action against his country, saying it would backfire.
Assad also said he expected a parliamentary election to be held in February after a series of reforms that would allow political groups other than his Ba'ath Party to take part.
Assad is facing Western calls to step down over his crackdown on five months of protests in which the United Nations say around 2,000 civilians have died.
In an interview on August 21 on state TV, Assad also warned against any military action against his country, saying it would backfire.
Assad also said he expected a parliamentary election to be held in February after a series of reforms that would allow political groups other than his Ba'ath Party to take part.
Assad is facing Western calls to step down over his crackdown on five months of protests in which the United Nations say around 2,000 civilians have died.
compiled from agency reports