"The government will tender its resignation today and a new cabinet should be formed within 24 hours," the official said on condition of anonymity.

Syria has been gripped by a wave of deadly dissent since mid-March which has put President Bashar al-Assad under unprecedented pressure as protesters call for reforms.

Assad, who rose to power in 2000, is expected in the days to come to address his people to announce the end of a state of emergency in Syria, in force since the ruling Baath party took power in 1963.

Prime Minister Mohammed Naji Otri formed his government in 2003 and it was last re-shuffled in April 2009.