Syrian musician Rowida Atteya said the political crisis affecting the country should not be allowed to suppress art, and called on other singers to continue performing. The singer said she supported the government of President Bashar al-Assad in its fight against Sunni rebels, who are seeking to topple him from power. Atteya said she would continue performing all over the world, in order to express her support, and said she was optimistic that the crisis would end very soon. She added the deteriorating political situation in Egypt was unfortunate for the people of the country, and said all the neighbouring Arab countries needed to support the interim government in restoring stability.