Saudi Arabia, Iran and Bahrain on Tuesday welcomed the election in a referendum of Bashar Assad as Syria's new president, reported The Associated Press, quoting state media.
Saudi Arabia's King Fahd, Crown Prince Abdullah and Defense Minister Prince Sultan sent separate messages congratulating the new Syrian leader and wishing him success in his new post.
Iran also welcomed the outcome of the referendum, the Iranian news agency IRNA reported.
"Through this election, Syria's people have renewed their commitment to the ideals of their late leader Hafez Assad, particularly in confronting Israeli expansionist policies," IRNA quoted a Foreign Ministry spokesman as saying.
Bahrain's Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa telephoned Assad to wish him success in his new position, said the AP.
Syria said on Tuesday that Assad secured 97.29 percent of votes in Monday's referendum.
Bashar will take his oath and officially start his seven-year post on July 17th, according to the agency - Albawaba.com
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
