The Baa'th Party 9th Conference Opened

Damascus 17-6-2000

The Baa'th Arab Socialist Party opened its 9th congress here Saturday in an atmosphere of deep grief and sadness over the demise of the Party Secretary-General, President Hafez Assad.

A minute of silence was observed in memory of the late president whose merits and achievements would ever enlighten our path in his footsteps.

Assistant Regional Secretary of the Party, Suleiman Qaddah, delivered a speech in which he spoke of the congress convocation amid a sweeping feeling of grief and pain over the demise of the Party Secretary General, the builder of Modern Syria, President Hafez Assad.

"Our people and the world have lost on of the ever greatest men. A man who loved the people and whom the people so did. A close fraternal relationship bettween the leader and the people was boosted hence the late leader consecrated his whole life to his people and safeguarded their rights,'' Qaddah said.

''The late President was the most courageous and noble of all. He did secure for the Nation power, coherence, stability and national unity on which all storms died down'' Qaddah added.

"The late president has ever been the courageous political leader, who believes in the right of his Nation to unity, liberation and to progress. He has also been the strategic military giant as the hero of the national right.'' the official underlined.

Qaddah spoke of the late President's legacy and treasures of thought, struggle, democracy, national unity and values.

"President Assad asserted definite liberation of the occupied territories. "Henceforth, the liberation of South Lebanon came as a big victory for the heroic National Lebanese Resistance and a defeat for Israel and its expansionist schemes in boosting for the Syrian- Lebanese coherence."

Qaddah noted to the late President cling to the realization of just and comprehensive peace on the related UNSC resolutions without ceding an inch of rights.

The Parties Secretaries, members of the National Progressive Front, Which joins all political Parties in Syria, delivered speeches at the

opening of the Congress reviewing the historic struggle of the Baa'th Party and the late President's impacts on the Party march through its long history.

The Secretaries spoke of President Assad's heroic accomplishments and achievements at all levels noting to his role in establishing the Front as the umbrella joining Syria's different political parties. The Secretaries pledged loyalty and Support to Lt.Gen. Bashar Hafez

Assad for the presidency as it was unanimously decided by the Baa’th Party Regional Leadership.

Press Commentary

Damascus 17-6-2000

Syrian Press focused Saturday at the Baa'th Arab Socialist Party Congress, held a week after the demise of the Party Secretary- General, President Hafez Assad.

"The demise of President Assad should be a motivation for the congress members as to exert the more of persistent efforts and struggle in line with President Assad's sublime values and principles,'' 'Tishreen' Daily wrote.

The Daily noted that the conference has to focus at vital issues including the reinforcement of democracy, freedom of dialogue, and intellectual enhancement.

"What satisfies is the continuation of Lt.Gen. Dr.Bashar Hafez Assad, the guarantee for the continuation of the late President's approach in stability,and modernization as to overcome difficulties.'' concluded the daily.

"The best realizations of loyalty and allegiance to the late President is through the congress work and deeds on the way of more openness, modernization, and scientific achievements under the leadership of Dr. Bashar Hafez Assad'' 'Al-Ba'ath' Daily said.

"Al-Thawra' Daily underlined the importance of today's congress to draw the lines of Syria's future in commitment to the Arab Nation goals of Unity, Freedom and Socialism.

At the domestic arena, the congress has to tackle issues related to political, economic, and social questions. At the international one, the congress has to follow up what Syria has realized under the late president of political and strategic weight all over the world.

Syrians abroad express deep regret over late President death

Capitals, 17/6 /2000

Syrians living in the Arab world or abroad on Saturday carried out pouring into the Syrian embassies to express their deep regret for the passing away of the late President Hafez Assad.

The Syrian community in Algiers, Tunisia and Libya went to their embassies to offer condolences to their staff over the death of the modern Syria builder.

In Moscow, head of the international cooperation department at the Ministry of Education Michael Selbetsouve said Russians share the Syrian people their sadness over the great calamity of President Assad’ death. He noted that deep traditional ties between the two countries established by the late President.

In London, Permanent Secretary of the Foreign office John Cairre offered condolences to the Syrian embassy as well as many senior officials of the British Foreign office who expressed their condolences and comfort to Syrians over the passing away of the great man who made peace his strategic option.

Thousands Visited The Late President Tomb

Qirdaha 18/6/2000

Thousands of civilians continued pouring into President Hafez Assad's Tomb here Sunday.

Syrians and civilians from different nationalities marched to the tomb to lie wreathes of flowers reciting Holy Verses of the Koran.

The mourners hoisted black flags, photos of the late President praying to God as to long live Lt.Gen. Bashar Hafez Al-Assad, the hope of Nation.

The Arab Democratic Union Party issued a statement on the merits and achievements of the late President pledging loyalty to Lt.Gen. Bashar Hafez Assad.

Federation of Arab Bodies in America spoke of the late President huge contributions to the foundation of constitutional establishments in Syria.

Lieutenant General Dr. Bashar receives delegations

Damascus 19/6/2000

Lieutenant General Dr. Bashar Assad received on Sunday Kuwaiti Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister, Skheik Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah and the accompanying delegation.

Foreign Minister Farouk Al-Sharaa attended the meeting. Later, Dr.Bashar received the delegation of the Arab-American establishments Federation headed by Dr. Orasio Haddad. The delegation offered the expatriates condolences to Dr. Bashar and expressed their pride and appreciation for what the big late offered to his people.

The Baa'th Congress / Decision

Damascus 19/6/ 2000

Secretary General of the Baa'th Arab Socialist Party, Abdullah Al-Ahmar, read the decision. "Our struggling experience since the launching of the Correctionist movement aimed to realize integration among the leader, party and the people."

It pointed out that under the leadership of the late President, Syria realized big achievements at all domains and a national unity was consecrated.

"This big change transferred Syria from an unbalanced country to a state of action and influence at all developments and changes, as to confront challenges and to construct a democratic, progressive and united Arabic society," the decision added.

The late leader was great and the work of the great men would not end by the end of a stage but will be renewed and continued drawing the march of history and specifying the future horizons.

The march will continue with the leadership of Dr. Bashar who has good manners, personality and qualifications that enabled him to hold the flag, to continue the way and to win the people's confidence, the decision concluded.

Lt. Gen. Bashar Assad / word

Damascus, 20/6/2000

President elect- Dr. Bashar Assad, encouraged by the sincere affection of the Syrian people demonstrated during the funeral of the late President Hafez Assad expressed hop late Tuesday Syria would manage to confront all future challenges and difficulties.

‘’ Comrades, There are solemn missions waiting and grand challenges facing and we will all, God willing, be as responsible as this historic responsibility be,’’ he said.

‘’ We shall confront challenges and will go together through your trust, love and support for the sake of the accomplishing these missions and surpassing those challenges ,’’ Dr. Bashar told the 9th Congress of the Baath Party in his first ever address since his public entry into to the political life after the death of his father.

Bashar, who was unanimously named by the conferees after 4-day meetings as Secretary General of the Baath Party , suggested Arab unity had became a crucial demand and that the Arab world should look forward to achieving unification , even stages by stages and it the unity has not been achieved so far, it remains a legitimate goal.

Assad’s tomb/ Visits

Qirdaha, North west Syria, 21/6/ 2000

Popular and official delegations on Wednesday visited the tomb of late President Hafez al-Assad in the Qirdaha to pay respect to his soul and recite Koran verses.

They carried black flags and photos for the late President as well as photos for the new leader Lt. Gen., Bashar al-Assad who poses as the hope of the nation.

After laying flower wreathes over the tomb; they prayed for the rest of his soul and asked God to enfold him with compassion and lead the footsteps of Dr. Bashar to do what is good for Syria.

A delegation of the Sudanese students visited the place in addition to a group of the National Federation for the Syrian youth.

Capitals 21/6/2000

Arab and International Figures continued to eulogize the Late President, Hafez Assad.

Speakers at this tragic loss, highly evaluated Assad's sublime and noble merits and accomplishments pinning hopes on the determination of Lt.Gen. Bashar Hafez Al-Assad to pursue the March of his Late Father.

In Iran, Parliamentarians asserted that the region has lost a great leader, who secured a distinguished position for his country.

The Speakers expressed the belief that Lt. Gen. Bashar Hafez Assad would pursue the March of his Father.

Bassam Al-Saket, a former Jordanian Minister, said that the late President offered the Arab Nation and Syria huge services.

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

The Lebanese 'Al-Kifah Al-Arabi' described the Late President as the historic one whom the entire Arab World lost.

Meantime, Syrian Embassies all over the world were crowded with dignitaries offering condolences on the deceased leader.

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

Minister of Information / Word

Cairo 21/6 /2000

Minister of Information Adnan Omron on Wednesday pledged Syria’s commitment to the national and patriotic basics saying they were posing as a ‘’ consolidated will’’ to develop ties with sisterly countries.

At the opening session of the Arab Information Ministers Council, Omran said ‘’ I would like to assure brothers that the will of our people in Syria to defend the firm and consolidated rights and to carry on the national work… are continuing to be a consolidated will.’’

‘’ The new leader ( Dr. Bashar al-Assad,) since the first moment has underlined adherence to the national and patriotic basics as well as the national values together with brotherhood ties,’’ he added noting that Syria would always seek to develop ties with sisterly countries and to back the Joint Arab action and its institutions.

He emphasized the importance of reserving the national identity while facing the world accelerated changes and said it would be part of the development battle.

‘’ We are meeting here amid regional and international changes of a great importance that should affect the future of our country and the Arab nation ,’’ he said .

‘’ This will activate us as Arab information leaders to exert more efforts as to stimulate the national feeling and cement our national position to succeed in battle of total development. It is also to defend the national security against dangers facing it that embodied in the Israeli occupation of the Arab territories,’’ he said.

He called upon putting down strategies and work plans in a unified and coordinated way to encounter these fast developments in an ‘’ effective and positive way.’’

Omran noted there were still many task to be done among Arab satellite stations and networks to reach to the international arena and serve the Arab message of culture , information and civilization.

Annan, in reply to another question, noted that he was encouraged by his talks with Lt.Gen. Bashar Assad.

"Dr. Bashar is fully aware and knowledabe of all the specific details of the issue under discussion as he put precise questions in indication of his all-out grasp and knowledge of the issue." Said Annan.

"Lieutenat General Bashar Hafez Al-Assad is the best successor for the best predecessor.He is the Man of the time like father like son.'' the UN Secretary General said of Dr. Bashar Hafez Assad following their talks in Damascus.

UN SG 23/6/ 2000

Annan, in reply to another question, noted that he was encouraged by his talks with Lt.Gen. Bashar Hafez Assad.

"Dr. Bashar is fully aware and knowledgabe of all the specific details of the issue under discussion as he put precise questions in indication of his all-out grasp and knowledge of the issue." Said Annan.

"Lieutenat General Bashar Hafez Al-Assad is the best successor for the best predecessor. He is the Man of the time as a chip of the old block.'' the UN Secretary General said of Dr. Bashar Hafez Al-Assad following their talks in Damascus.

Patrick Seale/ Lt. Gen. Bashar

Cairo 24-6- 2000

The reputed British Intellectual, Patrick Seale, noted that the Syrian Leadership, on top Dr. Bashar Hafez A-Assad, would seek via all means to modernize Syria and to boost the economy.

Interviewed by the Egyptian 'Al-Mosawar' Magazine, Seale said that Dr. Bashar has a well-studied comprehensive timetable to upgrade Syria.

" Dr. Bashar Hafez Al-Assad wishes to open for the world.He is an excellent person characterized with many merits and attributes.'' Seale said of Dr. Bashar Hafez Assad.

"Dr. Bashar Hafez Al-Assad is the pioneer of Internet and Media Means modernization. He works as to attract investors in support of the Syrian Economy in an atmosphere of transparency.'' Seale added.

Seale noted that Syria's foreign policy would never compromise on the necessity of the Israeli withdrawal to June4 1967 lines.

Seale called on the Israeli Premier to have the political courage as to realize progress in Mideast peace talks advising the premier that there would never be a Syrian Leader who might relinquish an inch of the Syrian Soil.

LG Bashar al-Assad receives Saudi Prince

Damascus, 24/6 /2000

LG Bashar Assad on Saturday revived Saturday afternoon at al-Shaab Palace His Highness Saudi prince al-Walid Bin Talal who offered him condoles over the passing away of the great Arab leader President Hafez al-Assad.

‘’ President Assad’s absence is a great loss for the whole Arab nation,’’ it was of the Saudi prince remarks during his meeting with Dr. Bashar.

LG Bashar Assad / cables

Damascus, 26/6 /2000

LG Bashar Assad on Thursday received hundreds of condolence cables over the death of the late President Hafez al-Assad . They carried to his Excellency well wishes as well as to his noble family and the Syrian people.

They came from President of Guinea-Bissau ands heads of liberal parties in Pakistan and senior official s in various parts of the Arab world as well from Syrian tribes and big families a academics and normal Syrian people.

LG Bashar Assad / Moroccan King condolences

Damascus, 26/6 /2000

LG Bashar Assad, the General Commander of the Army and Armed Forces on Monday has offered condolences by Moroccan King Mohammed the Six over passing away of the late President Hafez al-Assad.

The Moroccan King extended condolences to the late President family and talks touched upon the situation in the region and bilateral relations between the two countries.

Damascus 27-6/2000

Syrian Parliament unanimously okayed Tuesday the Baa'th Arab Socialist Party Regional Command Nomination of Lt.Gen. Bashar Hafez Al-Assad for the post of Syrian Presidency.

Following a two-day session of debate, the Parliament set July10,2000 as a date for popular referendum as to vote Dr. Bashar Hafez Al-Assad to be Syria's incoming President to lead the March of Syria's modernization and building initiated by his Late Father, President Hafez Assad.

The Parliament acceptance of Lt.Gen. Bashar's nomination for a seven-year Presidential Term crowned a stormy parliamentarian session in which speakers, representing Syria's political parties and sections pledged full support and loyalty to the persistence of the Late President's march through the son, 'the hope' for Syria's immunity, dignity and steadfastness.

Thousands of Syrians have been on vigil since yesterday's parliamentarian debate, some of them nearby the Parliament Headquarters in Damascus, chanting pro-Bashar slogans pledging to defend Syria's unanimously-favored candidate with their blood and their soul.

The Late President is largely viewed as the leader who was able, through his 30 years of presidency, to salvage Syria from a coup-plagued country into an oasis for stability, modernization and security.

Lt. Gen. Bashar's nomination for the presidency came to meet the aspiration of the millions of Syrians who see in His Excellency an extension for his Father's legacy of progress and prosperity.

Dr. Bashar, an eye doctor, is reputed for his unmatchable obsession with Information Technology, Modernization, and enhancement. His Excellency has led a campaign, at the directives of his Late Father, as to uproot corruption.

Wednesday June 28th,2000.

Following are the main headlines of our dailies;

The English Language "Syria Times":

PA Committee approves Dr. Bashar's nomination for presidency.

Dr. Bashar receives a call from Morocco's King.

Press welcomes Dr. Bashar's nomination.

Al-Thawra;

Lt. G. Bashar Assad is unanimously a President and a leader for the HOMEland.

Al-Baath;

The People's assembly, in a historical session, unanimously, approves the nomination of Lt. G. Bashar Al-Assad a President for the Republic.

"I will be in the service of the People and the nation,"(Bashar

says). Referendum will be on July 10th.

Tishrin;

Among a comprehensive popular support, the People's Assembly unanimously agrees " Bashar Al-Assad's nomination for the presidency . Referendum is on July 10th.

Lt.G. Bashar receives the People's assembly speaker Abdul Qader Qaddoura and members of the Assembly.

Dailies' commentaries

Damascus 28/6/ SANA

Wednesday's dailies allotted their commentaries on Dr. Bashar al-

Assad's nomination for President. Lt. G. Bashar was unanimously

nominated by the People's assembly (Parliament) for President on

Tuesday.

Tishrin said that, nomination Bashar Al-Assad for President

Meant rooting the achievements.

"Syria, by the People's Assembly decision to nominate Lt. G. Bashar Al-Assad for the presidency and setting the date for the popular referendum, has taken a new step to deep root stability and protect the great  achievements realized under the late great leader Hafez Al-Assad," it wrote in a front page editorial.

" Our people has adopted the historical decision to support the new leadership of Bashar Al-Assad to guarantee the continuity of the way of the great late (leader)," the daily reiterated. Tishrin said Dr. Bashar Al-Assad has worked for past years to renovate Syria and modernize it.

" He has brought computer and spread it in this country," it said. Al-Baath daily described the People's assembly session on Tuesday a " historical" one. " The historical session in which the People Assembly has unanimously approved the letter of the Regional Command of the Arab Socialist Baath party in which it nominates him for president has showed two things: the first is the comprehensive unanimity from members of the (People's) Assembly to nominate Lt. G Bashar Assad for President. The second was the objection a member of the assembly to the way it had amended article 83 in the Constitution," it said in and editorial. Member Monzer Moseli objected on Monday before the assembly Session that it had to state the reasons behind amending the minimum age of the president from 40 to 34 years.

Al-Baath said Bashar Al-Assad, who was following the discussions on TV sets "has welcomed and valued received" this argument Al-Thawra newspaper, meanwhile, spoke about Bashar's speech before the Baath Party Congress earlier this month.

It also stressed that Bashar Al-Assad was "the future hope of the country." "We are in a date with the promising hope that has been realized the first day of the Baath party congress," Al-Thawra said.

The English language "Syria Times" said the adoption of the Baath Arab Socialist Party Leadership’s nomination of Dr. Bashar al- Assad for presidency was " a further indication of Syria's future policy."

" It is also a demonstration of Syria’s solid internal unity which was founded and firmly established by the late President Hafez Assad," it said in a commentary.

Lt. G. Bashar Assad receives a Korean delegation.

Damascus 28/6/ 2000

Lt. G. Bashar Assad, Commander in Chief of the Syrian army on Wednesday received Kim Yong Nam, Head of Presidency Board of the Higher People Assembly in the Democratic Republic of Korea and the accompanying delegation.

The Korean delegation offered Lt.G. Bashar and the family of the great late President Hafez Assad his country’s condolences over Assad’s death. President Hafez Assad died on June 10.

Kim Yong hailed the achievements of the late President in the way of freedom and progress.

Lt. G. Bashar Assad thanked the Korean delegation for his condolences sending his greetings and thanks to President Kim Jung Ill of Democratic Korea.

Marches of loyalty to LG Bashar Assad

Syrian Governorates, 29/6/2000

Syrians from all over the country on Thursday continued in a steady way expressing feelings of sadness and sorrow over the death of the eternal leader Hafez Assad and stressed at the same time their support to the nomination of the LG Bashar al-Assad for the Presidency post.

Marches went out in Aleppo, where partakers held photos of The late president and banners while chanted ‘’we would continue the walk with you Bashar.’’

Syrian Embassies were still receiving condolences over the death of the late president ,while women members of the Baath party central committee visited this morning the tomb of the late President in Qirdaha and wrote words in the Condolences book at the site.

Interior Minister referendum regulations

Damascus 29/6/2000

Interior minister Mohammed Harba on Thursday issued new regulations for July 10th referendum to elect Lt. Gen. Bashar al-Assad a President.

The regulations include those people who are legible for the referendum, its committees, and how to announce the last results of the referendum.

The regulations stated that all Syrians, males and females, who have completed 18 years of age at the beginning of 2000, that is any person

born on Jan. 1st, 1982 and before are legible to vote in the referendum unless he or she are prevented from their civil and political rights.

It also considered all governorate centers and the affiliated villages are considered one directorate.

Voting centers , according to these regulations, will be in schools and other government buildings. Special voting centers are allotted to women but it is possible to make the centers for both men and women, the regulations said.

President-elect Bashar Assad late Thursday inaugurated his entry official political career in a lengthy meeting with the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to stress the Syrian full support of the Lebanese conditions of Israel’s total pullout from south Lebanon.

Lt. Gen. Bashar Assad, who would shortly assume Presidency due to the Syrian people’s support for this step, underlined during his first meeting with an international figure ‘’Syria’s willingness to cooperate with the UN to achieve the just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East,’’ a Presidential spokesman said.

‘’ Syria will continue to cooperate with the UN to accomplish the just and comprehensive peace as well as Damascus emphasizes backing for Lebanon’s fair demands related to fulfillment of the complete Israeli withdrawal from the Lebanese lands’’ the spokesman quoted Bashar Assad as saying.

Annan, for his part, offered the UN condolences for the passing away of the late President Hafez al-Assad and expressed appreciation of his stance regarding the UN role and his cooperation with it in various circumstances to ‘’serve the international peace and peoples progress,’’ the spokesman said.

Lahoud – commendation

Beirut 29/6/2000

Lebanese President Emil Lahoud on Wednesday praised Lt.Gen Bashar Assad expressing his evaluation for Bashar's commitment to path of his father late Arab leader Hafez Assad.

" Lebanon and Syria will continue strengthening ties. This means that relations between the two countries are institutional. They are not related to a group," Lahoud told a delegation from the Lebanese Editors Syndicate headed by Molhem Karam, the Syndicate Chief.

Delegates visit the late President Tomb

Qirdaha, 29/6/2000

Syrians faithful to the memory of late President HafezAssad continued pouring into Qirdaha city near the Syrian coast to visit the tomb of modern Syria builder.

Marches including hundreds of thousands of Syrians from all over the country rushed into the city holding photos of the late president as well as the black flags and banners with words of loyalty to the LG Bashar al-Assad.

""There is no God but Allah… with Blood and soul we redeem you Assad … Bashar.. We are loyal to your leadership God save Bashar the leader ,’’ hundreds chanted while passing along the city streets heading to the tomb of the late President.

Wreaths of Flowers were still flooding to cover every corner of the tomb place while hundreds recited Koran verses and Christians made the cross sign.

Speaker receives referendum outcome

Damascus, 11/7 /2000

Interior Minister Mohammed Harba on Tuesday handed Speaker of the People’s Assembly Abdul Qader Qaddoura the letter including final results of the popular referendum held yesterday over the Presidency of the Lt. Gen. Bashar Al-Assad for the post of the Republic President for a seven- year -term.

Qaddoura and Harba exchanged words in which they stressed the 10th of July day would always remain a historical day in the life of the Arab people in Syria and because it was the day during which they have chosen Lt. , Gen. Bashar al-Assad as President of the Syrian Arab Republic.

They extended congratulations to the Syrian who had never Knew but the faithfulness and loyalty and hoped the march which would be lead by Comrade Lt. Gen., Bashar Assad full of gifts and accomplishment to serve the Syrian people.

Damascus, 11/7/2000

Speaker of the Peoples’ Assembly Abdul Qader Qaddoura on Tuesday announced Lt. Gen. Bashar al-Assad President of the Syrian Arab Republic for a seven years term.

He noted the new President would take oath on Monday July 17 at eleven AM local time.

The Syrian constitution termed the President would start ruling the moment he sworn in . It is a norm the new president would specify main lines of his policy in an address to the people.

The Russian Communist party congratulates Dr. Bashar

Moscow, 11/7 / 2000

Russian Communists on Tuesday congratulated President Bashar al-Assad election in a referendum announced today and pledged to develop bilateral ties between the two friendly countries.

First Deputy of the Communist party in Russia Valentine Kopstouve told SANA reporters in Moscow , the Syrian people has shown at this decisive moment of Syria’s’ history his rallying behind the Lt. Gen. Bashar al-Assad.

‘’We are quite sure the firm policy put down by the late President Hafez Assad would carry on during the new age of the new President,’’ he said noting a great and big tasks laid over the new President some were tied to the defense of Syria’s’ interests and the restoration of occupied territories.

" on this occasion, we underline the communist party would exert all efforts to develop relations with Syria the Fridley country the Baath Arab Socialist part,’’ he added.

Sudanese President acclaims President Bashar

Damascus, 12/7 /2000

President Bashar Assad on Wednesday received a phone call from the Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who congratulated his Excellency over the outcome of the referendum on the Presidency.

Bashir also well wished Dr. Bashar over the special confidence bestowed to his Excellency by the Syrian people. Dr. Bashar thanked Bashir for calling and congregations.

Syrians jubilate President Bashar’ s taking over

Damascus, 17/7 /2000

Syrians in their tens of thousands burst into revels, poured Monday onto the streets of Damascus to celebrate the ascent to power of the new President leader Bashar Assad, son of the late President Hafez Assad, who died last month.

Cars festooned with photos of Bashar along with those of the elder Assad, sounded their horns in a chorus of hollers, honks and whoops as the just inaugurated President Bashar took the oath before a special committee of the parliament.

Some Syrians marched in organized groups waving pictures of Assad’s along with national flags and banners, renewing allegiance to the new leader of Syria.

As President Bashar went into the parliament building to take the oath and deliver his speech, jubilant deputies gave a long applause, chanting ‘‘we sacrifice our blood and soul for you Bashar,’’ and’’ Forever, forever with Assad.’’

Speaker Abdul Qader Qaddoura ordered President Bashar after taking oath the Omayyed Great Scarf. His Excellency received members of the parliament who rushed to salute him by shaking hands one by one.

President Bashar receives a phone call from French President

Damascus, 17/7 /2000

President Bashar Assad on Monday evening received a phone call from French President Jacques Chirac to congratulate his Excellency after taking oath.

Chirac wished Dr. Bashar all the success and talked with him over the Syrian-French relations and the situation in the region.