WASHINGTON - The US State Department spokesman Mark Toner on Thursday urged Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to do more on reform amid protests in the country.

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"I can't even begin to guess about Assad's future," said Toner when asked to respond to comment by a former Syrian official who said Assad "is likely to be overthrown."

"He's certainly facing a serious challenge from the Syrian people," he said.

Al-Assad approved on Thursday the cabinet draft law of lifting the 48-year state of emergency which has been in place since the ruling Baath Party came to power.