Tensions rise in Syria.

Opponents of the regime pledged today to continue their "revolution" with demonstrations throughout Syria. According to them, however, the army has already surrounded several protest sites in an attempt to suppress them. "We need to continue our peaceful revolution across Syria until we achieve the freedom we demand," states a communiqué from the coordinating committee of the protests. Among the affected cities are Deraa, the epicenter of the demonstrations, Banias, and Homs.

Activists say repression against opponents of President Bashar al-Assad's regime is increasing. At least 500 people are arrested daily on average, according to a statement from the opposition committee obtained by Agence France-Presse. The opposition has called for permanent protests starting next Tuesday.

The death toll from the crackdown on protests has reached 607, according to the human rights group Insan. The Assad government has attributed the violence to "armed criminal gangs" and claims the movement is a conspiracy.

France

France today urged all its citizens to leave Syria. It also warned against any travel to the country during the current political crisis, according to the Foreign Ministry. "Although foreign citizens are not directly threatened so far, French authorities renew their warning to postpone all travel plans to Syria," the ministry stated on its website. "And, until the situation returns to normal, we recommend that French citizens whose presence in the country is not essential or motivated by compelling reasons leave Syria temporarily," the document continued.