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Protesters, security forces clash in Syria

By the CNN Wire Staff
A picture from the Syrian Arab News Agency shows Syrians attending a condolences meeting Sunday in the city of Daraa, which is near the border with Jordan.
A picture from the Syrian Arab News Agency shows Syrians attending a condolences meeting Sunday in the city of Daraa, which is near the border with Jordan.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • One person was killed during the demonstration, witnesses say
  • Sunday marks the third day of clashes
  • Protesters want reform and more political and economic freedoms
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(CNN) -- One person died Sunday in clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces in the southern Syrian city of Daraa, witnesses told CNN.

Sunday's protests come the same day a delegation from President Bashar al-Assad offered "condolences to the families of the two martyrs who died during the unfortunate events which took place in Daraa on Friday," the Syrian news agency SANA said.

Citing an unnamed "official source," the agency also reported that policemen were attacked by a "group of troublemakers," but that no one was killed.

Funerals were held Sunday, the third day of protests, witnesses said. Syria is the latest in a string of Arabic-speaking nations beset with discontent.

"We rejected those offerings because the government was responsible for the killings. It was an attempt to contain the situation in Daraa," Mohammed Sheikh, a local leader, said about the government's offer of condolences.

Two people were killed during demonstrations in the city Friday, according to SANA. According to witnesses, five people have died in Daraa since Friday.

Opponents of the al-Assad government allege massive human rights abuses. An emergency law has been in effect since 1963. Protesters are calling for reform and more political and economic freedoms.

CNN's Amir Ahmed contributed to this report