Syrian FM Accuses Protesters of 'Sabotage'

Foreign Minister Walid Muallem pledged on Monday that Syria will go ahead with reforms as promised, but warned against "sabotage" committed by protesters, the state-run SANA news agency reported.

"The reforms will continue and peaceful protests are authorized, but the recourse to violence and sabotage is unacceptable," it quoted Muallem as saying at a meeting with a group of ambassadors posted to Syria.

"Those who want reforms should not use weapons or violence or carry out acts of sabotage by torching state institutions and cutting off roads," he said.

Muallem branded as "very dangerous" a protest on Sunday in the central town of Talbisseh.

"The international highway was cut off for several hours. Armed men attacked the police, who were given strict orders not to retaliate, and the army had to intervene," he said.

Witnesses have said that at least four people were killed and more than 50 were wounded in Talbisseh on Sunday when security forces opened fire on a funeral procession for a man killed the previous day.

SANA has reported that a policeman was killed and 11 others wounded on Sunday in Talbisseh by an "armed criminal group."