Syrian president Bashar Assad has insisted his regime will not fall and also lashed out at Gulf countries, which he accused of using their enormous oil wealth to try to drive him from power.

Syria's authoritarian regime held a referendum on a new constitution today, a gesture by embattled president Bashar Assad to placate those seeking the end of his rule.

Syrian opposition groups have today rejected proposals for a referendum on a new constitution planned for the end of the month.