Syria's foreign minister is promising "free and fair" general elections to be held by the end of the year.

Walid al-Moallem says a new parliament will represent the aspirations of all Syrian people. The four-year term of the current parliament expired earlier this year. President Bashar Assad is expected to set a date for voting before the end of 2011.

Speaking at an ambassador's meeting in Damascus, al-Moallem pledged to press ahead with reforms, saying dialogue was the only way forward. It comes as the Syrian military continues its siege on the city of Hama. Activists say security forces killed at least 24 civilians on Friday, during a nationwide crackdown on anti-government protesters.

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