Syrian president to address nation 'very soon' amid clashes, protests

DAMASCUS, Syria - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who is facing unprecedented domestic pressure as protests and clashes erupt across Syria, will address the nation "very soon", his adviser said on Sunday.

"President Assad will address his people very soon to explain the situation and clarify and elaborate on the reforms that have already been decided," Buthaina Shaaban said.

Syrian authorities released on Saturday about 260 political detainees, in another endeavor by the Syrian government to control recent turmoil in the country, media reports said.