Syria says country is calm, some calls for reform

Syria's state news agency said worshippers in Deraa and Latakia, scenes of protests and deadly clashes last month, gathered after Friday prayers to call for accelerated reforms and chanted tributes for the dead.

But it said there had been no confrontations between the worshippers and security forces, and reported calm across the country. It also said there had been gatherings in several Syrian provinces supporting "national unity and stability." (AP)