Leaders gather for Assad funeral

The United States says it will not put pressure on Syria to return to peace negotiations with Israel until Damascus has completed the transition of power following the death of President Assad, on Saturday. The American special envoy to the Middle East, Dennis Ross, said Washington wants to keep the door open for renewed talks, but would only pursue the matter when the Syrians feel they could focus on the issue. In Damascus, the Syrian government has taken steps to consolidate the authority of President Assad's son, Bashar Assad, as successor head of state.