'Syrian PM, cabinet expected to resign within hours'

High ranking official in Damascus: The Syrian "government will tender its resignation today, a new cabinet should be formed within 24 hours."

By JPOST.COM STAFF, REUTERS
Assad 311 reuters (photo credit: reuters)
Assad 311 reuters
(photo credit: reuters)
The Syrian prime minister and the entire cabinet were expected to resign Tuesday, AFP reported, quoting high-ranking officials in Damascus.
The official told AFP, "The government will tender its resignation today and a new cabinet should be formed within 24 hours."
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The current government was formed by Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Naji Otri and was reshuffled two years ago.
Protesters have been demanding reforms from the government of Bashar al-Assad, including the cancellation of the country's emergency law.
In a statement, Turkey's Foreign Ministry regretted casualties in the violence spreading through its southeast neighbor and called for calm on the part of families that had suffered casualties.
"We welcome the statements of Syrian officials on starting work for reform on social and economic issues to meet the Syrian people's legitimate demands and expectations," the statement said.
"It is of great importance that the necessary work is completed soon and the decisions are implemented without losing time."