President of Bahrain dies at 65, Sheikh Hamad assumes power

The Emir's palace in Manama announced today that the ruler of Bahrain Sheikh Issa Bin Salman al-Khaleifa died today, naturally at 65.

An official at the Bahraini defense forces told journalists in al-Manama today that the prince died suddenly after his meeting, earlier in the day, with the US Defense Secretary William Cohen.

Worthy mentioning that Sheikh Issa Bin Salman was born in 1934 and he borne the title of the Emir of Bahrain since August 1971.

On the other hand, Cohen canceled a press conference he had scheduled to convene after his meeting with the deceased prince. Cohen also postponed his visit to Saudi Arabia, the second step in his tour on the Gulf region, he already started on Friday.

Immediately after the death of his father, Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa, Bahrain's crown prince assumed power as the new prince for the state of Bahrain. Bahrain's radio said today that Sheikh Hamad presided over an emergency meeting for the Bahraini council during which he informed the council's member about the death of his father and that he assumed power in accordance to the Bahraini law.

The new Bahraini Emir said he will pursue the same policy his father had adopted in serving his "country, people and nation." Sheikh Hamad, the eldest son for the late Emir of Bahrain was appointed as a crown prince in June 1964.