Hundreds rally in support of Syria's Assad

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Hundreds of people rally in support of embattled Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.

At this demonstration - held in Turkey - supporters chanted Assad's name and urged him to stay on as president - despite increasing international pressure for him to step down.

(SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) ANTAKYA RESIDENT MERAL MIROGLU, SAYING:

"No one can isolate Bashar al-Assad. People living here are on the side of Assad and his people."

Several countries, including the U.S., have blasted Assad for what they call a brutal crackdown on Syria's opposition groups - an offensive that has left thousands dead.

But in this town - near the border with Syria - people disputed that view.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) ANTAKYA RESIDENT CELAL SAHIN, SAYING:

"We are one nation, Turkey and Syria. But others - they have another target, to take Bashar out of the country and bring someone from America or a Zionist. We don't want a Zionist. We are one nation, God, Syria, Bashar."

Turkey, which has called on Assad to step down, is home to thousands of Syrian refugees.

Andrew Raven, Reuters