Syria to Examine Lifting Emergency Law

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has established a committee to study the possibility of lifting the country's 50-year-old emergency law.

The country's state-run news agency said Thursday a committee of legal experts would prepare anti-terrorism legislation that could pave the way for removing the emergency law. It said the committee would complete its study by April 25.

The move seems to be an effort to appease angry demonstrators that have demanded the government lift the 50-year-old law, which restricts opposition gatherings.

Mr. Assad gave no indication of a change to the emergency law in his Wednesday speech addressing the protests, which have been under way for more than a week. Instead, Mr. Assad said foreigners and social media have created a conspiracy to bring down his government.

The opposition protests represent the most serious threat to Mr. Assad's 11-year rule, and to the longstanding authority of his family. In referring to anti-government unrest, the president said there is chaos in the country under the pretext of reform.

Mr. Assad said his government has enacted reforms to meet protesters' demands, including raising salaries and changing his Cabinet. Prime Minister Mohammed Naji al-Otari will stay on as caretaker government chief, until a new Cabinet is announced.

The United States says President Assad's speech fell short of the reforms the Syrian people have been demanding, and of the changes Mr. Assad's aides suggested he would call for in his address.

Syrian security officials have cracked down on recent demonstrations, firing tear gas and live ammunition to disperse protesters. The group Human Rights Watch says at least 61 people have been killed since the unrest began.