"One year has elapsed since the passing of the late, great leader Hafez al Assad." This was the tone of the Syrian press this week, as it marked the anniversary of the death of long-time dictator Hafez Assad. Following are some excerpts from the tribute:
"A year ago the death took away a leader from the Arab nation. It was a day of sadness and sorrow in every home, school, university, farm, factory and quarry... Sadness was and is still in the heart of every man, woman and child because the legacy of his accomplishments and ideas is a planet that will shine not on this generation but also on coming generations."
"[Upon hearing that Assad died, former US President] Clinton's Secretary of State Madeleine Albright commented: 'I was saddened to hear today of the death of President Hafez al Assad.' She extolled the leader wise policy and his strenuous efforts for the realization of Mideast peace."
"French President Jacques Chirac praised the late leader as a statesman whose passing was a tragedy not only for Syria but for the entire world. In a letter to President Bashar, President Chirac added: 'President al Assad was a man who shaped history for three decades, leading his nation to greatness.'"
"His role in the Mideast peace is recognized as pivotal and essential... He never abandoned an inch of the national soil or Arab rights.... The first anniversary of his passing is a real momentum to help our nation get further strength in confrontation of the forces of occupation and aggression."
"A year ago the death took away a leader from the Arab nation. It was a day of sadness and sorrow in every home, school, university, farm, factory and quarry... Sadness was and is still in the heart of every man, woman and child because the legacy of his accomplishments and ideas is a planet that will shine not on this generation but also on coming generations."
"[Upon hearing that Assad died, former US President] Clinton's Secretary of State Madeleine Albright commented: 'I was saddened to hear today of the death of President Hafez al Assad.' She extolled the leader wise policy and his strenuous efforts for the realization of Mideast peace."
"French President Jacques Chirac praised the late leader as a statesman whose passing was a tragedy not only for Syria but for the entire world. In a letter to President Bashar, President Chirac added: 'President al Assad was a man who shaped history for three decades, leading his nation to greatness.'"
"His role in the Mideast peace is recognized as pivotal and essential... He never abandoned an inch of the national soil or Arab rights.... The first anniversary of his passing is a real momentum to help our nation get further strength in confrontation of the forces of occupation and aggression."