Syrian Govt Resigns amid Unrest

A general view shows pro-governement protesters waving Syrian National flags and holding up banners and posters of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad in the central Sabe Barat Square in Damascus, Syria, 29 March 2011. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has accepted the resignation of the entire cabinet amid an unusual wave of ongoing unrest, state TV reported.

On Tuesday, thousands of Syrians took to the streets of Damascus to demonstrate in favor of the government. Other, however, protested against the president. People waves Syrian flags while being with their faces and chests pained in national colors, CNN informed.

Assad is expected to address the nation later on Tuesday or Wednesday to announce he is lifting the 30-day emergency law after two weeks of pro-democracy protests in the country.

On Tuesday, pro-government rallies were also held in the cities of Aleppo, Hama and Hasaka, according to the CNN.

In the recent days, the cities of Daraa and Latakia saw violent clashes between security forces and protesters demanding freedoms and reforms. At least 37 people have been killed since last week, according to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The new Syrian cabinet is expected to be formed within 24 hours.

Prime Minister Mohammed Naji Otri formed his government in 2003. It was last re-shuffled in April 2009.