Syrian dissidents declare 'national council'

Istanbul: Syrian dissidents opposed to President Bashar Al Assad founded a "national council" in a gathering in Istanbul on Tuesday, an activist said.

"We have given martyrs and some of us are injured... With all these efforts and sacrifices, as a result of this responsibility, a sense of unity has been formed," said activist Ahmad Ramadan in a press meeting where he announced the council's creation.

US Ambassador makes surprise visit to Syria

The US Ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, made a surprise trip to the town of Jasem in southern Daraa province on Tuesday, residents said, his second visit since July to an area rocked by pro-democracy demonstrations.

"He came by car this morning, although Jasem is swarming with secret police. He got out and spent a good of time walking round. He was careful not to be seen talking with people, apparently not cause them harm," one resident told Reuters.