Death of President Assad of Syria

The authorities in Syria are moving to ensure a smooth succession to President Hafez al-Assad, who died yesterday at the age of sixty-nine.

The leadership of the ruling Ba'ath party is meeting later today to make final arrangements for his funeral which is expected on Tuesday.

But it's already officially reported to have discussed how Syria is to be run.

Yesterday, parliament paved the way for Mr Assad's presumed successor, his son Bashar, to take over.

Correspondents point out that nothing has been heard of either of the two vice-presidents.

News of Mr Assad's death brought Syrians weeping onto the streets.

Forty days of mourning have been decreed.

Mr Assad was a pivotal figure in Middle East politics for three decades.

His rule was characterised by ruthless suppression of dissent and resolute opposition to Israel.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service