OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien hailed Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, who died Saturday, as the architect of modern Syria.
"President Assad was, to a great extent, the architect of modern Syria. Under his leadership, Syria has played a key role in the Middle East," Chretien said in a statement.Chretien said that the peace efforts of Syria and Israel had "yet to be successful," but said he hoped that "the successor to President Assad would persevere toward the conclusion of peace with Israel".
The Prime Minister, who offered his condolences to Syria and to Assad's family on behalf of all Canadians, recalled a "warm reception" in Damascus by Assad last April.
"During our discussions, I was struck by his commitment to the search for a just, durable and comprehensive peace in the Middle East," he added.
He also pointed out that he spoke privately over the phone to Assad just 11 days ago.