Syrian leader blames 'foreign interference'

The Syrian president has made a defiant speech blaming foreign interference for the violence in his country.

In a televised speech on Tuesday, he accused the Arab League of hypocrisy for lecturing Syria on democracy and reform.

Assad claimed he never ordered anyone to open fire on anti-government protesters. However, opposition activists said at least 28 people were killed across the country on Tuesday alone as part of the government's security crackdown.

Assad asked what right other Arab governments, including the absolute monarchies of the Gulf, had to lecture Syria about democracy or reform.

Al Jazeera's Hashem Ahelbarra reports from Antakya, Turkey.