Beirut - Tens of thousands of Syrians are demonstrating in support of the president a day after pro-democracy protesters rejected his speech. President Bashar al-Assad vowed reform in a speech Monday that was only his third public appearance since the revolt against his family's 40-year-rule erupted in March. But his vague overtures to a pro-democracy uprising fell flat with the opposition, and anti-government protesters took to the streets shouting "Liar!" and demanding his ouster. Thousands of people carrying Assad's pictures took to the streets of Damascus on Tuesday, pledging allegiance to the president. State TV showed similar protests in the northern cities of Aleppo, Latakia and the southern city of Deraa.