Beirut (ANTARA News/Reuters) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday ordered the release of all detainees arrested in a wave of protests, except those who committed crimes "against the nation and the citizens", state media said.

Syria`s state news agency SANA said the move followed a meeting between Assad and "religious and popular" (figures).

"In order to strengthen cohesion among people (Assad) decided to release all those detained after recent events who did not commit crimes against the nation and the citizens."

Assad named a new cabinet on Thursday after a month of unprecedented pro-democracy protests.

The government has little power in Syria, where the executive and judiciary have been sidelined under 48 years of monolithic Baath party rule. Power is held firmly by the Assad family and the security apparatus. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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