As unrest spreads, Syrian government promises to respond

Syrian violence escalatesSTORY HIGHLIGHTSNEW: Syria says it will study changesThousands show up for the funerals of a soldier and othersDeaths are reported in DaraaSectarian, economic and security issues spur demonstrators, observer says (CNN) -- Tensions boiled in a volatile Syrian community Thursday as thousands of people turned up for the funerals of people killed in unrest, while the government blamed the instability on outsiders and announced plans to study popular demands, including the lifting of the country's decades-old emergency law.

Syria is the latest in a string of Arabic-speaking nations beset with discontent over economic and human rights issues. And Syrian discontent centers on Daraa, a southern city in the impoverished country's agricultural region, where violence has been escalating between security forces and anti-government protesters since late last week.

Wissam Tarif, executive director of the human rights organization Insan, said at least 34 people in Daraa have been killed in the past two days. While the figure was confirmed by human rights activists who contacted family members of the deceased, other activists believe many more have been killed.

Tarif said as many as 20,000 people followed the funeral procession for those who died in violence, including a conscripted soldier who was reportedly shot because he refused to fire on demonstrators. The turnout included people from towns and villages near the city, and Tarif said that despite brutal and deadly treatment by security forces, people were able to flock into Daraa.

A witness, who asked not to be named, said 10 martyrs were buried following afternoon prayers, with the people in the procession mourning the loss of the victims and chanting anti-government slogans.

View the Original article

Posted in: government,promises,respond,spreads,Syrian,unrest