Syria announces President Assad to visit France on July 16

Originally published July 8, 1998

President Hafez al-Assad met with his outgoing first Lt, Gen. Himat al-Shehabi on the occasion of his "retirement" from his term of office in the army and armed forces. Shehabi was replaced by Lt. Ali Aslan as news reports indicate "large" changes to come in high ranking security and military posts in the country.

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