GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT EXPRESSES SHOCK, SADNESS AT DEATH OF PRESIDENT HAFEZ AL-ASSAD OF SYRIA

Press Release
GA/SM/173

GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT EXPRESSES SHOCK, SADNESS AT DEATH OF PRESIDENT HAFEZ AL-ASSAD OF SYRIA

Following is the 10 June statement of the President of the General Assembly, Theo-Ben Gurirab (Namibia), on the death of President Hafez Al-Assad of Syria:

It was with shock and deep sadness that I learnt today of the passing of President Hafez Al-Assad of the Syrian Arab Republic, at the age of 69.

President Assad was one of the longest-serving heads of State in the world and a key player in the Middle East peace process. It is my sincere hope that, even with his passing, the negotiating process will move forward, on all the recognized tracks, towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the whole of the Middle East.

On this sad occasion, and on behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to convey heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of President Assad, and to the Government and the people of Syria, for the loss of their leader, who will be greatly missed. May his soul rest in peace.

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