ROSEMARY CHURCH, WORLD NEWS: Israeli and Syrian peace talks also have stalled, but Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak says a change in Syria's leadership creates the potential for major changes in the region. Bashar al-Assad is expected to assume power following power following the death of his father. He's also expected to be elected secretary- general of the ruling Baath party when it meets on Saturday. CNN's Brent Sadler has that story.</s>BRENT SADLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Weeks of official mourning lie ahead, during which Bashar al-Assad, the dead president's eldest son, is expected to rise to power. His father built the nation, ruled by the dominant Baath party, which he led. And it's here, in the conference palace in Damascus, that Syria's destiny will soon be debated at the highest level. A crucial Baath party congress is scheduled to start Saturday. In a rare news conference, Syria's information minister explains why that meeting is of such great importance to Syria's future.</s>ADNAN OMRAN, SYRIAN INFORMATION MINISTER: To discuss an agenda, consisting of items related to all the affairs of the country - everything. The work of the government during the period which</s>SADLER: In the last months of his life, President Assad handed more and more responsibility to his son, Bashar, hoping for a smooth transition of power. The Baath party gathering was planned even before he died. (on camera): President Assad hadn't called the ruling party congress in 15 years, a measure of the determination to ensure his son inherits both his political legacy and his plans for reform. Brent Sadler, CNN, Damascus.
Israel Hopes New Syrian Leader Will Help Jumpstart Talks