The Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has called on rebels to lay down their arms.

In his first public address in over six months, he's outlined plans for a national dialogue to resolve the conflict - but only with those 'who haven't betrayed Syria'.

Assad says those fighting against his rule are "enemies of God and puppets of the West".

He did not address accusations of mass killings by regime loyalists.

Speaking in Damascus, Bashar al-Assad said 'a black cloud' of pain hangs over Syria.