Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made a rare appearance outside central Damascus on Sunday, visiting the ancient Christian town of Maaloula. <br /><br />Syrian state-run television showed him inspecting the damage done during recent fighting. Government troops recaptured the hilltop hamlet from rebels last week.<br /><br />Maaloula is located some 60 kilometres northeast of the capital and is home to a large Christian population.<br /><br />The visit highlights growing government confidence after making several gains against insurgents around Damascus and along the Lebanese border.<br /><br />Monday is the day Syria’s parliament is expected to announce the date of the country’s presidential election. <br /><br />Assad has all but officially said he will stand in the poll – the first time the head of state will be elected rather than chosen by referendum.<br /><br />The rules for those wishing to compete against him will prevent any of the country’s main opposition figures in exile from standing.
