TELEGRAM FOR THE DEATH OF SYRIAN PRESIDENT ASSAD

VATICAN CITY, JUN 11, 2000 (VIS) - Following is the text of the telegram, written in French and sent by Pope John Paul to Bachar El-Assad, son of Hafez El-Assad, the president of Syria who died on Saturday, June 10:

"Having been informed of the death of President Hafez El-Assad, who for a long time led the destiny of his country and played a great role in the Middle East, I join the pain of his family and that of the Syrian people. I entrust the deceased to the mercy of the All Powerful. May the Most High comfort the authorities and the people of Syria in this painful hour and assist them in the task of always pursuing the development of the country in the journey on the path of peace in the service of all Syrians and all the inhabitants of the region!"

TGR;DEATH HAFEZ ASSAD;...;BACHAR ASSAD;VIS;20000612;Word: 160;