Syrian official says unrest almost over

BEIJING - A senior Syrian official said that the seven-week turmoil in the country was drawing to a close, while fresh protests and violence hit Yemen on Tuesday.

Syrian Presidential Advisor Buthaina Shaaban, in an interview with The New York Times, said her country had weathered through the worst stage of the turmoil, saying it was almost over. "I think now we've passed the most dangerous moment. I hope so. I think so," Shaaban said.

She said Syria had faced "armed terrorist gangs and foreign conspiracy" that sought to stir unrest in the country.