Syria's President Assad Passed Away

Syrian People Mourns Assad

Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, a dominant figure in Middle East politics for three tumultuous decades, passed away on Saturday in Damascus.

Syria's parliament quickly amended the constitution to lower the age requirement to permit the succession of his son Bashar, who is only 34 years old and a relative political novice.

Members of parliament wept openly at news of Assad's death at the age of 69. A 40-day period of mourning was declared and a senior official said the funeral would be on Tuesday.

The overwhelming majority of Syrians have known no other leader. Shops closed and residents of the capital hung black banners from apartment balconies.

Clinton Reacts to Assad's Death

There was a significant police presence but the streets of Damascus remained calm. State broadcasting carried continuous readings from the Koran after the announcement.

Assad's death raised questions about the continuation of the internal stability he had imposed with an iron fist, and about prospects for a resumption of Israeli-Syrian peace talks, days after Syria hinted it might again be ready to talk.

A political source said Assad had died at 11 a.m. (0800 GMT). There was no word on the cause of death but Qatari television said it was a heart attack. The frail-looking Assad had suffered from heart problems and diabetes.