CLINTON RECALLS SYRIAN LEADER.(MAIN)

Byline: DEB RIECHMANN Associated Press

NORTHFIELD, Minn. -- Despite his disagreements with Syrian President Hafez Assad, President Clinton said the Arab leader who died Saturday was ``open and straightforward'' and desired a lasting peace in the Middle East.

White House spokesman Joe Lockhart announced later that Secretary of State Madeleine Albright would represent the United States at Assad's funeral.

Under questioning, Lockhart confirmed that neither Clinton nor Vice President Al Gore would attend the service. ``I think the President believes that Secretary Albright is the appropriate person to attend,'' he said. He declined to say whether …