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Syrian president Hafez Assad dead at 69
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Longest-serving Mideast ruler had led country since 1971
In this story: Leader had been in ill health Constitution changed to allow succession of son Crucial point in quest for Mideast peace RELATED STORIES, SITES 
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DAMASCUS, Syria (CNN) -- Syrian President Hafez Assad, the Middle East's longest-serving ruler, has died at age 69.
A tearful newscaster made the announcement on Syrian government television in the capital of Damascus about 11 a.m. EDT Saturday, proclaiming that the country had lost its "national champion."
Legislators wept, bowed their heads and then stood in a moment of silence Saturday after receiving the news in the Syrian parliament. Television cameramen moved through the aisles, filming the grief-stricken chamber.
It was expected that Assad's son Bashar would succeed his father as president.
Leader had been in ill health
President since 1971, Assad had been in ill health. He appeared pale and thin in March during a meeting with U.S. President Bill Clinton in Geneva.
The exact time of Assad's death was unavailable, although it was reported that he had died within the past 24 hours.
Government officials contacted by telephone by CNN said they were too upset to comment.
Clinton, in Minnesota to give a college commencement speech, issued a statement saying he was saddened by the news of Assad's death.
"Over the past seven years, I have met him many times and gotten to know him very well," Clinton said of Assad. "We had our differences, but I always respected him. ... He made a strategic choice for peace, and we worked together to achieve that goal. Throughout my contacts with him, including our last meeting, he made clear Syria's continued commitment to the path of peace.
"We look forward to working with Syria to achieve the goal of comprehensive peace," Clinton said.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Syria Talcott Seelye recalled Assad as a tough negotiator whose friendly manner belied a steely reserve.
"He insisted on having all the I's dotted and all the T's crossed," Seelye told CNN.
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Constitution changed to allow succession of son
Assad's son Bashar, a staff colonel and a physician, was being groomed to succeed his father.
On Saturday, the Syrian parliament voted to amend the constitution to allow a future leader of the country to be as young as 34, down from a prior requirement of 40 years. Bashar is only 38.
Further, the successor must be a member of the regional command for the ruling Baath party. Bashar is to be made a member of that ruling circle June 25, when Congress is scheduled to meet. Bashar may be named president at that time.
Meanwhile, the Syrian vice president was expected to assume control of the country.
Crucial point in quest for Mideast peace
Assad's passing comes at a crucial moment not only for Syria but for all of the Middle East.
With the withdrawal last month of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, the United States is seeking to resume peace talks between Israel and Syria, which has about 30,000 troops in Lebanon.
Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright met in Egypt with Syria's foreign minister to encourage Syria to resume peace talks with Israel. Syrian authorities were polite but noncommittal after meeting with Albright.
Syria is seeking the return of the strategically placed Golan Heights, which Israel has occupied since 1967.
Simultaneously, Israeli and Palestinian authorities, with firm coaxing by the United States, are making a final push toward reaching a peace accord by a September deadline.
Correspondents Ben Wedeman, Rula Amin, Jerrold Kessel and Major Garrett contributed to this report
RELATED STORIES:
Syria-Israel peace failure raises Lebanon danger
March 27, 2000
Assad's hopes for legacy evident behind shakeup in Damascus
March 8, 2000
Syrian leader grooms son as successor
February 29, 2000
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Golan In The Words Of Mr. President Hafez Al-Assad - Syria
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President Hafez Al-Assad in Profile
National Information Center - Syria
Syrian Embassy
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