Syria: 'Hundreds of thousands' hold anti-Assad protests

Rights groups say at least three people were shot dead by government troops in the central city of Homs.

Protests were reported in the capital, Damascus, in eastern and western cities and in towns along the border regions.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has warned time is running out for Syria's government to usher in reforms.

Speaking during a visit to Lithuania, she said President Bashar Assad would face more organised resistance to his rule unless the country saw "a genuine transition to democracy".

Human rights groups estimate that about 1,700 people have been killed in three months of anti-government protests.

Mr Assad has promised a dialogue on introducing political reforms but the protesters are calling for him to stand down