President Bashar al-Assad has told parliament Syria will defeat those behind a plot against his country. In his first speech since anti-government demonstrations erupted two weeks ago, Mr. Assad said, Syria is a target of a big plot from outside. He said, its timing, its format has been speeded up and the people were “duped” to go into the streets. More than 60 people have been killed during violent protests that began in the southern city of Deraa. He said Deraa is in the heart of every Syrian. It is on the front line of Syria's enemy, Israel. The people of Deraa will eliminate whoever is behind the violence, the Syrian leader said. His speech interrupted several times by MPs pledging their support. He is expected to announce a lifting of the state of emergency which has been in place for the past five decades. Yesterday, the country's cabinet resigned and huge crowds took to the streets to show support for Mr Assad. A new cabinet – which will have the role of implementing the expected reforms – is expected to be named by the end of the week.