It said the amnesty would cover all political movements, including the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. Opposition figures were quick to dismiss the move.

The move comes after months of protests against President Assad's rule, leading to a crackdown in which activists say more than 1,000 people have been killed and 10,000 arrested.

The government has also offered some political concessions, but protesters have dismissed these as largely cosmetic.

The announcement of the amnesty came as at least three people were reported to have been killed in continuing clashes between security forces and protesters.