Syrian Presidentˈs Envoy Briefs Indian Leadership

New Delhi, March 7, IRNA -- Syrian President Bashar Al Assadˈs Special Envoy Bouthaina Shaaban Wednesday briefed External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and top Indian officials about the situation in her country and handed over a letter from Assad addressed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Shaaban, Political and Media Advisor of President Assad, is on an official visit here as Special Envoy to brief the Indian leadership on the situation in Syria. Besides Khurshid, Shaaban met Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed and National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon today. She also handed over a letter from the Syrian President addressed to the Prime Minister on developments in Syria, an official statement here said. ˈIndia reiterated deep concern on the security situation in Syria and the continued escalation of violence. ˈWe also expressed our concern about the plight of the people of Syria arising out of intense fighting and conflict,ˈ it said. India also stressed on the need for peaceful resolution of the crisis with participation of all parties taking into account the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians for which the Geneva Communique which includes the 6-Point Plan of Kofi Annan provides a good basis./end