. >>> syrian president bashar al asad said his security forces have stopped their crackdown on anti-government protesters. he made a statement in a phone call with the united nations secretary-general ban ki-moon. syria has been suppressing demonstrations since march. more than 2,000 people are believed to have died in the violence. the united nations released details about the call assad had on wednesday. it said ban criticized the widespread violation of human rights and excessive use of force by syrian security teams. he urged assad to stop targeting the civilians. the u.n. quoted the president as saying military and police operations against protestors have stopped. assad also indicated he will carry out democratic reforms within a few months including revising the constitution and holding parliamentary elections. western countries have imposed additional sanctions on syria since the violent crackdn began. ab nations are also becoming increasingly critical. earlier this month the u.n. security council adopted a statement condemning syria. it is scheduled to discuss the fuher reon to the si