Syria to allow private radio broadcasts

Bashar Assad promised reform when he came to power

The Syrian cabinet has decided to allow private radio stations to operate for the first time, although with strict limits on what they may broadcast.

The official Syrian Arab News Agency reported that the ministers had given their approval for private stations devoted only to music, with no news or political content.

The decision requires the approval of President Bashar Assad before becoming law.

No timetable has been set for when the private stations might start broadcasting.

New freedom

Until now, only state-run radio stations have been allowed to broadcast, providing Syrians with a variety of content from pro-Syrian political commentaries to modern Western pop music.

The relaxation of the rules comes as advertisements have been spotted on the streets of Damascus promoting "Damascus 1", an unknown private radio station, the Associated Press reports.

Social and political freedoms have increased since Mr Assad took over as Syrian president after the death of his father, Hafez Assad.

Hafez Assad ruled Syria with an iron fist for nearly 30 years.