(CNN) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad defied expectations and dashed widespread hopes during an anticipated nationally televised speech Wednesday when he made no mention of lifting a state of emergency.
Making several references to an anti-Syria "conspiracy" and threats to "stability," al-Assad said strife cannot win out over future reforms.
U.S. State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said "the speech fell short of the type of reforms the Syrian people demanded" and lacked substance.
Al-Assad made few concrete promises after weeks of anti-government demonstrations that have left at least 61 people dead, according to Human Rights Watch.
Haddad denied any deaths in the city.
Al-Assad spoke a day after the Syrian cabinet resigned amid an unusual wave of unrest across the nation.
Two other Reuters journalists were detained by Syrian authorities over the weekend. Al-Assad also blamed unrest in his country on "enemies ... working daily and scientifically to undermine the stability of Syria." "In principle, we support reform and meeting people's needs," the president said. We are part of this region," al-Assad said. The state-run SANA news agency had reported that al-Assad's speech would "tackle the internal affairs and the latest events in Syria" and "reassure the Syrian people."
Ihssan Zouabi, a protester in Daraa, called the president's speech a disappointment because he didn't address demands, including lifting the emergency law.
Amnesty's Luther said the group is "disturbed by reports that security forces could already be shooting on demonstrators in Latakia who have been protesting against his speech."
Human Rights Watch called on al-Assad to lift the state of emergency, amend a law that allows forces to punish people for peaceful expression, investigate security services and allow the registration of new political parties.
