Syria death toll rises to 83
SYRIAN government forces have reportedly killed at least 83 people in a sustained clampdown on rebel areas on the eve of a referendum across the country on a new constitution.
The surge in violence came on Saturday as the Syrian government was preparing to hold a vote called by President Bashar al-Assad for Sunday on a new constitution.
Witnesses in the Damascus told DPA that women in white T-shirts were stopping cars and handing out leaflets reading: "Your vote is essential for Syria's sovereignty".
The proposed constitution promises to establish political pluralism, ending decades of monopoly by the ruling Baath Party.
The opposition called on Syrians to boycott the referendum, calling it "a mockery".
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