The Syrian authorities on Monday published on several official websites a new draft law on elections in a bid to ease political tensions in the country.

Deputy Justice Minister Najm al-Ahmad, who headed the commission to draft the new law, earlier pledged the law would be “similar to the best laws across the world."

The draft will be publicly discussed and amended accordingly.

Unrest in Syria began after a group of schoolchildren were arrested in March for writing anti-government slogans on walls. Protests against their arrest soon swept across the country and continue despite urgent political reforms and crackdown on demonstrators.

According to government figures over 120 police and security officers have been killed in the unrest. Figures for civilian casualties are unknown. Eleven people were reported killed as Syrian pro-government forces stormed the western cities of Rastan and Talbiseh at the weekend, Al Arabiya reported on Monday.

Syrian authorities claim the protests are being organized by Islamic extremists seeking to seize power in the country.

DAMASCUS, May 30 (RIA Novosti)