DAMASCUS (IRNA) – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says the Syrian government welcomes peace efforts of the Arab states adding that he will not overlook his responsibility to support the Syrian people in the current critical situation.

He made the remarks in a meeting with thousands of scholars and students of the University of Damascus.

President al-Assad said in his fourth speech after the start of the unrests in Syria that there is difference between political post and responsibility, adding that those who say Bashar will not leave his post, they had better shut up because 'I will not overlook my responsibility.'

“Responsibility is important just because it is different from political post and I am duty-bound to support people as well,” the Syrian President said.

President Assad said that foreign interference in Syrian domestic affairs is a combination of foreign and Arab interference. 'Unfortunately, interference of the Arab states is more hostile.'

Assad said that the Arab League loses its Arab nature without Syria. 'So, we must not be shocked for Arab League’s taking such position against Syria because it is the result of the chaotic situation in the League.

IRNA reporter in Damascus said that President al-Assad had made his third televised speech on 21st of August 2011.

Foreign Intervention Rapped

President Assad has lashed out at foreign powers for attempting to destabilize Syria, criticizing the Arab League for its stance toward Damascus.

Delivering a national speech on Syria's internal matters in Damascus on Tuesday, the Syrian president said the Arab League's intervention is worse than international interference.

He also cited the Syrian sovereignty as the most important issue for the Syrian nation.

Assad lambasted the 'foreign conspiracies' against the Syrian nation, saying that Syria will remain free and independent despite crisis.

He touched upon the government's ban on some foreign media, noting that at the beginning of the unrest, foreign journalists could work freely, but their attempts to fabricate the developments forced some control.

Arab League observers are currently in the country to investigate Syria's months-long unrest and to monitor the implementation of a peace initiative presented by the bloc to put an end to Damascus's crisis.

The Syrian president also described the events of the past months as regretful, saying that the recent unrest has been a serious test for Syria.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad delivering a speech in Damascus, January 10, 2012.