Vol. 524 No. 3
80 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the communications he has had with the acting President of Syria, Abdel Halim Khaddam, or Bashar al-Assed following the death of President Hafez al-Assad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17057/00]
On President Assad's death, President McAleese sent a message of condolence to the Vice President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Abdel Halim Khaddam, conveying sympathy to the government and people of Syria on their loss. Our Ambassador to Syria, Mr. Peter Gunning, rep resented the State at the funeral ceremonies. Following his inauguration as President, President McAleese sent a message of congratulations to Dr. Bashar al-Assad.
We believe that Dr. Bashar will continue to pursue a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region and we look forward to working closely with him in further developing and strengthening our bilateral relations.
Question No. 81 taken with Question No. 6.
Question No. 82 taken with Question No. 34.
