The plan would cover three main domains, including the political, security and judicial reform, the economic and social reform, and the development of administrative and governmental work.

The Syrian authorities have recently announced a series of reforms, including lifting the country's state of emergency which had been in place since 1963, sacking the cabinet, releasing dozens of political detainees and increasing the state servants' salaries.

Syria is witnessing unprecedented anti-government protests across the country that erupted six weeks ago. According to human rights groups, the protests have caused the deaths of at least 562 people in clashes between civilians and security forces.

Meanwhile, the army has seized control of a mosque which had become a centre for anti-government protests in the southern Syrian city of Deraa, witnesses say.

Soldiers are now stationed on the roof the Omari mosque in the city centre, after an assault supported by tanks.

Activists said six people had been killed in the city. On Friday, they reported at least 66 protester deaths in Syria, most of them in Deraa. Officials said the number of dead was far lower, and included four soldiers.

State television said security forces had come under attack by "armed terrorists" in Deraa and Homs, Syria's third city.