'May Your Soul Rest in Peace in Heaven'

President Hafez Assad, the builder of Modern Syria, passed away on June 10, 2000 leaving behind unforgettable pages of glory and treasures of unshaken principles and doctrines. On his style-made correction approach, Syria follows the march under the leadership of his son, Bashar. Once the father changed Syria from a coup-plagued and unfruitful country to an oasis for progress, democracy and development. The son is highly expected to pursue the march on the way of modernization, welfare, steadfastness and progress. Seven years following his untimely demise, millions of the Syrians still feel today, more than ever, their urgent need for his fatherly smile, wise stances, peace efforts, prophetic visions, and the many of much of badly needed force. Personally, the tears of my son, Hafez, who was only six-years that day are still alive inside me with unanswered rhetorical questions: how is it possible even for children to so cry . Emotions, as all know, are never to be exported, imported, neither imposed or whatsoever; they are but to be felt! What might console us, however, is the presence of Assad’s son, Bashar, who, masterfully, has been professional in navigating the Syrian Ship amid the strong storms of today’s crazy world into the safety shores; and apart from the heinous treason of those who were supposedly, one day, close associates and comrades! And apart from the warmongers hunger for killing, disorder and for innocents blood in today’s jungle zoo!!!

"This is a day of sadness and sorrow in every HOME, school, university, farm, factory and quarry," a tearful announcer said on Syrian state television. "Sadness is in the heart of every man, woman and child. The legacy of his accomplishments and ideas is a planet that will shine not just in this generation, but also coming generations."

Lebanese President Emile Lahoud, in a letter to Assad’s son Bashar, wrote that he was the last to speak to the Syrian leader.

"His last words were: ‘our destiny is to build a better future for our countries, a safe future (for) our children. We have to give them something better than what we inherited.’ and then there was a sudden silence," Lahoud said in the condolences letter.

In Lebanon, Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss described Mr. Assad's death as a "terrible catastrophe" for Lebanon and ordered flags to fly at half-mast during a week of official mourning.

Lebanon has announced a seven-day period of mourning following the death of Syrian President Hafez Assad.

State and private television stations have been playing classical music, recitations from the Koran and clips from Syrian state television.

Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss described the veteran leader's death as a "momentous calamity which strikes Lebanon in the heart".

"A great Arab leader who spent his life struggling in defence of Arab causes and carried the nation's concerns in his mind " Hoss added.

Elie al-Furzli, deputy speaker of Lebanon's parliament, described Assad's death as "a major event for us, for Syrians and for the Arab nation" and a time of "great, great sadness".

Hizbollah Leader, Hassan Nasserallah, issued a statement on the demise of the president '' who has made of Syria a castle for all honest and freedom fighters as to restore their rights''.

The Lebanese President, Premier, Parliament spokesman and other national parties mourned the demise of the president, largely held as " the savior of Lebanon''.

In Beirut, spiritual leader of the Hizbullah party Mohammed Hussein Fadllallah said President Assad was posing an ’obsession ‘’ for Israel.

‘’ A personality of this kind that has this way of strategic thinking has always been constituting a main hinder in front of the Zionists ambitions,’’ he said.

In Beirut,Lebanese former President Elias Hrawi said:" President

"I announce to the Arab and Muslim world the death of one of the  heroes of war and of peace, who devoted his life to serving the Arab and Islamic nations and fighting for the recovery of their land and of Arab rights." Arab League Secretary General Ismat Abd-al-Majid.

Abd-al-Majid described Mr. Assad as "one of the heroes of war and of peace who devoted his life to serving the Arab and Islamic nations and fighting for the recovery of their land and of Arab rights".

He said he hoped that "the Syrian people will pass through this crisis peacefully and overcome their pain to move forward on the road to development and peace".

Assistant Secretary General of the AL,Dr. Mohammad Zakaria Ismael, underscored that President Assad's demise was a big national loss.

The Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, expressed grief at the news and declared three days of official mourning in Palestinian-run areas.

In his statement, Mr. Arafat said he shared the sorrow of Mr. Assad's family.

He said:" the Palestinian people would stand beside the people of  Syria, "confident in their ability to overcome this fateful moment".

President Clinton praised President Assad’s commitment to the path of peace.

"We had our differences, but I always respected him," said Mr. Clinton, who last met Mr. Assad in March in an attempt to break the deadlock in peace talks with Israel.

"Throughout my contacts with him, including our last meeting he made clear Syria’s continued commitment to the path of peace," Clinton said.

"We look forward to working with Syria to achieve the goal of a comprehensive peace."

"While we had our disagreements, I always respected him because I felt that he was open and straightforward with me, and because I felt he meant it when he said he had made a strategic decision for peace," Clinton said.

"I regret that peace was not achieved in his lifetime, and I hope that it can still be achieved in no small measure because of the commitment he made," the president added.

Furthermore, President Clinton of the US phoned Dr. Bashar on June 12th offering his deep condolences to him, his family and to all Syrians.

"I ever remember President Assad with admiration and respect'' Clinton added.

Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said Assad had been committed to peace in recent years and she expected Syria to "continue on the path of peace."

"It's important for Dr. Assad to take on the mantle and for the transition process to be pursued," she said. "I will repeat again to wHOMEver I meet that the door is open, and we will be exploring."

"I think that it's totally appropriate that we pay our respects to a  historic figure, and that we express our condolences to the people of Syria," she said. "There is no question that we need to work with the Syrian leadership in order to accomplish a comprehensive peace."

Across the region, television and radio stations cut into their transmissions to  announce the Syrian leader's death, and then embarked on readings from the Koran as an expression of mourning.

In Turkey, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said he shared the Syrian people's grief.

Mr. Cem said that relations had recently improved, and the process would continue.

One of the last heads of state to meet President Assad was King Abdullah of Jordan, who praised the Syrian leader's "wisdom, courage and political experience" .

Jordan’s King Abdullah praised the late Syrian President as a great statesman who dedicated his life to serving the Arab cause.

Jordan’s Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh said his government would continue to support Syria’s efforts to regain the Golan Heights.

In Moscow, foreign ministry officials said Russia was deeply saddened by the news. They said they hoped it would have no adverse effect on the Middle East peace process.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair praised Mr Assad's contribution to the Middle East peace process and said he hoped his death would "redouble" efforts in the region to find lasting peace.

French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine cancelled a scheduled Middle East tour after the announcement. He had been due to visit Syria, Israel and Lebanon. BBC News

President Jiang Zemin of China Sunday paid tribute to Syrian President Hafez Assad, describing him as an "outstanding leader."

"President Assad was an outstanding leader of Syria, who contributed his whole life to Syria's prosperity and his people's well-being," Jiang said in a message to Assad's son, Dr. Bashar Assad.

"Under his leadership, the Syrian government and people scored significant achievements on safeguarding Syria's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and on economic development and national construction."

Jiang expressed "profound condolences" on behalf of the Chinese government and people to Bashar Assad and the Syrian people.

President Assad in his lifetime had attached much importance to relations with China, Jiang said. "His death is a great loss to Syria. For China, it means the loss of a respectful friend."

Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said Sunday in a statement that Chinese government expressed its deep condolences over the death of Syrian President Hafez al-Assad.

Zhu said that President Assad was the outstanding leader of Syria who has contributed all his life to the development of the country and the happiness of the Syrian people.

the spokesman for the Chinese government in Beijing described President Hafez Assad as "a respected friend." He added that the Chinese government is convinced that "Chinese- Syrian relations will continue their development."

In New York, the UN chief Kofi Annan said that " al-Assad was a

president of an unwavering principle." He added " al-Assad's death

Furthermore, On June 15^th, UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, on Thursday praised the great late president Hafez Assad's principled stands and cooperation with the international organizations.

Annan added in a word in the book of condolences at the headquarters of Syria's permanent delegation to New York.

He added that construction on the legacy of the late President would be a great challenge for all of us.

President Assad was a solid defender of man, just causes. In appreciation to the stances taken by the late President Hafez Assad towards international causes and peoples struggle for freedom and independence and in recognition made by the UN to the role played by the late president in defense of international legitimacy and commitment to UN charters, the UN General Assembly GA in New York held an eulogy dedicated to highlighting President al-Assad's role in revitalizing the role played by the UN and in implementing its resolutions.

He added all these made of President Hafez Assad so remarkable at the Middle East peace process.

He expressed his conviction that the president's successor will continue the way and the dialogue he had already established in the region for strengthening peace.

The representative of the Asian group at the UN commemorated the late President's efforts to build a strong states and for his people's dignity and honor. He added " the death of President Assad was a great loss for all of us." He expressed confidence that the new leadership in Syria will continue forward in order to continue building on the achievements already started with President Hafez Assad.

Moldavia's representative Eiron Elfaro, who was the representative of the west European states said that on June 10 the Middle East lost the main Arab leader President al-Assad. A leader that history will remember his great achievements and the role he played in strengthening Syria's unity. He added that President Assad was a statesman who dedicated all his life for Syria and the Arab nation. 

He said that President al-Assad had left his imprints on history  during the three past decades and he had his country effectively involved in the ME peace with the  objective to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region.

The representative of the Latin American and Caribbean  states at the UN Alfred Louis stressed that the late president was  very popular in the Middle East and had greatly contributed to  realizing stability and security in Lebanon and had a great role in  the efforts to establish peace in the Middle east according to UN  Security council resolutions 242, 338 and 425.

The representative for West Europe and other states to the UN  Antonio Mandido expressed for the countries of West Europe that the late President's commitment to achieving peace will continue in  order to establish a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle  East.

On behalf of the Arab group, the Algerian representative at the UN said  President Hafez al-Assad was a national leader who devoted all his efforts for serving causes of his people and led Syria firmly towards building a modern state, achieved stability and national unity among members of the Syrian society.

He also highlighted the late president's role in defending Arab, Islamic and  humanitarian issues.

The US permanent representative said that the late President was a main figure in the ME who chose peace as a strategic option, adding that the US welcomes Syria's continued commitment to this option. He expressed his conviction that this Syrian decision concerning peace was the right decision. He stressed that the US has the desire to work with all sides concerned in the region to achieve peace and will spare no efforts to this effect in achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the region.

In Tehran, guidance of the Islamic republic Ayatollah Khamenei said.

in his cable of condolences to Bashar Assad and to the Syrian government that  "undoubtedly President Hafez Assad was a symbol and a hero of resistance in the face of Zionism. He had a key role in preventing resistance and to strengthen solidarity between the Arab world and the Islamic nation."

Iranian President Muhammad Khatami praised the late president,

 stressing he was one of the main leaders of the Islamic nation and  that President Assad occupied a remarkable position in recent decades, noting that President al-Assad " put relations between Tehran and Damascus on highest levels."

In Istanbul, Turkish President Ahmad Najdat Cezeir expressed  "his deep sorrows." He said " President al-Assad will be in history  a statesman who served for the sake of Syria's prosperity."

Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that following in the  footsteps of al-Assad "will not be easy because he was a politician  and a statesman who is very experienced." He noted the "many  positive developments took place recently in our relations with  Syria."

In Tokyo, Japan's prime minister in a statement, called on the  Syrian people to continue their efforts to establish peace and  stability in the region. He noted that al-Assad died, but there are  still great expectations to achieving peace with Israel in the  coming months.

In Ottawa, Canada's Prime Minister Jean Chretien described President Assad as the architect of modern Syria. He added " I was very much impressed by his commitment to achieving a just and durable peace in the Middle East."

In Rome, Italian President Carlo Ciampi considered that " Syria has lost a  statesman who knew how to lead it in difficult experiments towards maintaining its stability. The Arab world and the international community have lost a wise and influential reference."

He hoped that Syria would strengthen President "al-Assad's  commitment to reaching peace in the Middle East and intensive  cooperation with all peoples of the Mediterranean."

In the Vatican, Pope John Paul II said in a cable of condolences "  After I heard news of President Assad's death, a leader who had  ever an important role in the Middle east, I would like to share his  family and the Syrian people's pains. I appeal the almighty God to  help the Syrian authorities and people in these painful moments." 

In Greece, the spokesman for the Greek government Demitri Rebas extended condolences to the Syrian people " who lost their President at a very critical situation for current developments in the Middle East."

In Bern, Switzerland, the spokesman for the government offered his condolences on the death of President Assad, hoping that  "Assad's successor will embody the will of achieving peace."

In Cuba, Havana, the Cuban government announced four-day mourning and order flags to be half-mast on public buildings and army barracks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi extended his deep condolences to the Syrian people on the death of president Hafez al-Assad.

This came in a phone call made by Kharrazi to Foreign Minister Farouq al-Sharaa. ‘’President Assad was a tough struggler leader who led his people in a veteran way during a delicate and difficult period to the security and stability,’’ Kharrazi said in his message of condolences.

Kharrazi hoped the building erected by President Assad would be kept on the road of Syria’s independence and the road of work to restore the legitimate rights of the Syrian people.

President Jacques Chirac of France highly lauded President Assad's sincere work for peace in the region.

Sudanese President, Omar Al-Bashir described the late President as the 'Symbol of Arab Dignity and steadfastness''.

Tony Blair of Britain issued a statement saying '' President Assad has been the factor for stability in the Middle East''

In Brussels, Romano Brodi of the European Commission voiced deep grief saying that '' President Assad would ever be remembered for his immense and great contributions to his country''.

The US Albright and Clinton lauded President Assad's contributions for peace in the Middle East.

In a statement, Clinton offered condolences on the demise of President Assad.

Moratinos, the EU envoy, asserted '' President Assad's sincere and full commitment to Mideast peace process''.

"President Assad has been the man of Peace.'' Moratinos said in a radio statement.

Iranian Revolution Spiritual Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamini,  described the late President as '' a great figure in the Arab and Islamic world, who has served throught his life the great interests of Syria as well as of the Arab world.''.

Khamini highly lauded President Assad's great contribuion to the Arab-Islamic solidarity and to the recent liberation of Lebanon.

Kofi Annan of the United Nations issued a statement describing the late President as '' A statesman of the highest quality, who is steadfast and commited to his  principles", " President Assad's demise is a big loss for the Syrian people, Arab world as well as for the entire region''.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Ismael Cem, regretted this demise voicing sorrow and grief over it.

Russia's Brimakov highly lauded the wise policy pursued by the late President noting to his advocacy of peace in the Middle east.

Russian President, Putin, said in a commiseration cable ''

The Omani Sultan, Qabbous,said '' President Assad has consecrated his life to support the Arab and international causes''.

Algerian President Boutafliqa, noted that the President demise is a great loss for the whole Arab nation.

The UN General Assembly, which observed a moment of silence in respect for the great leader, is to convene an eulogy session next Thursday in memory of the late Assad.

The Assembly members, each representing its group geographically, delivered speeches describing the passing leader

President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt described the late President as "the hero of war and the advocate of peace''.

Chairman of the Syrian-Belarus Friendship Association, Gorbononv,said that the late President was the great leader as the torch illuminating the Arab World.

Pakistan's President, Mohammad Tarara described the Late President was " A distinguished Statesman in the modern age under whose leadership Syria realized huge achievements, and solid stability".