Damascus


Doc. Bashar al-Assad:


I am greatly saddened by the untimely passing away of President Hafez al-Assad and would like to, on behalf of the Chinese Government and people, express profound condolences and cordial greetings to Your Excellency and through you, to the family members of President Hafez al-Assad and the Syrian government and people.


President Hafez al-Assad was an outstanding leader of Syria, who contributed his whole life to Syria's prosperity and his people's well-being. Under his leadership, the Syrian government and people scored significant achievements in safeguarding Syria's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and on economic development and national construction.




President Assad in his lifetime had attached much importance to relations with China. His death is a great loss to Syria. For China, it means the loss of a respected friend. I believe the Syrian government and people will continue the work left by President Assad and make more achievements.


Jiang Zemin


President of the People's Republic of China


Beijing


June 11, 2000