China Mourns Passing Away of AssadThe Chinese government expressed its deep condolences over the passing away of Syrian President Hafez al-Assad who died of disease on Saturday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said in Beijing Sunday in a statement.Zhu said that President Assad was the outstanding leader of Syria who has contributed all his life to the development of the country and the happiness of the Syrian people. President Assad valued Syria-China ties, he added. The passing away of the president is a great loss to the Syrian people, Zhu said, adding that the Chinese people also lost a respected friend. The Chinese government believes that Syria will march forward along the path set by President Assad, and Sino-Syrian ties will continue to advance, Zhu said. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/ |