A handout image released by the Syrian opposition's Shaam News Network on Monday shows a girl flashing the sign for victory in a destroyed street flooded with water in the restive central city of Homs. Photo: AFP

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad issued three new "counter-terrorism" laws on Monday, the official SANA news agency said.

"Those who create or direct terrorist groups may be sentenced with 10 to 20 years of hard labor, but the punishment may be more severe if the goal is to change the regime or the structure of the state," said the text of the laws passed on Thursday.

"If these (terrorist) acts result in death or disability for the victims, the death sentence may be imposed," it added.

Moreover, "the financing of terrorism, including any action to collect and directly or indirectly provide money, weapons, ammunition, explosives, communication equipment or intelligence to aid acts of terrorism are punishable by 15 to 20 years in prison." The lowest penalty is five years in prison for acts that do not result in loss of life or property.

Another law says state employees convicted of "any act of terrorism - whether he is directly engaged, an accessory to the crime, or providing material or moral support to terrorist groups in any way - will be fired," SANA said.

This law also applies to former government employees, who risk losing their pensions if convicted.

A third law provides for jail terms of 10 to 20 years with hard labor and a fine for any kidnapping for ransom, the news agency said.

Meanwhile, Syria's main exiled opposition groups met in Cairo on Monday to try to forge a common vision for a political transition in Syria. Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi, who chaired the meeting attended by around 250 opposition figures, urged the factions "not to waste this opportunity" and to "unite."

AFP - Global Times