In a nationally televised address, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad vowed to begin a national dialogue on reform, but he blamed the recent popular uprising on “saboteurs.” Assad said that no political solution was possible with people carrying weapons. Assad said, “What is happening today has nothing to do with reform, it has to do with vandalism.” The speech marked just the third time Assad has addressed the country since the protests began in March. Rights groups say Assad’s forces have killed at least 1,300 civilians since March. Syrian troops are now being accused of preventing civilians from crossing into Turkey to escape the violent state crackdown.