Syrian activists have dismissed the decree by President Bashar al-Assad authorising a multi-party political system. One activist said it was an attempt by the Syrian President to divert attention from his government's violent repression of protests. Reports from the city of Hama say government troops have retaken the city center after a military assault began on Sunday. Reports say thousands have fled. On Wednesday, the U.N. Security Council condemned the Syrian government for attacks on civilians and widespread human rights violations. The U.N's most powerful body expressed grave concern at the deteriorating situation in Syria.