Syrian Al Assad Accepts Government Resignation

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Naji Otri's government has decided to leave office and President Bashar Al Assad has accepted the resignations, state television says.

Otri submitted his resignation on Tuesday. Assad, however, appointed him as the caretaker premier pending the formation of a new government, the Syrian Arab news agency (SANA) reported.

The decision to leave office came after weeks of protests calling for reforms, which led to deadly violence in several cities.

The government blames armed gangs and foreign powers, especially Israel, for the unrest. On Tuesday, Syrians held massive popular rallies for the second successive day to voice their support for Assad and a comprehensive reform program led by him.

The Syrian head of state is expected to reach out to all Syrians in his speech and reassure them of reforms in the country's political system.