'India can play role in West Asia peace process'

Syrian Prez hail India as supporter of Arab cause

He also strongly supported India's bid for permanent membership of UN Security Council, saying the "rising" country with important role in Asian and global affairs should not remain out of the world body's powerful unit.

On his first visit here, Al-Assad doubted Bush administration's intention to usher in peace in West Asia and pinned hopes on the next government in Washington.

The Syrian President, who discussed the West Asia situation with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday, expressed appreciation for India's stand on the Arab issue, saying it "always taken an objective position" and supported the Arab cause.

Asked whether New Delhi can play a role in resolving the West Asia crisis, he replied in affirmative, saying "India has the credibility because of its objective position."

To a question about New Delhi's growing ties with Washington, he said "India has strong relations with most of the world, including the US... If India wants to use these relations for ushering peace in West Asia, that will be positive."

Expressing confidence that India will always play a "positive role", Al-Assad indicated that New Delhi should "convince" the US as also Israel to have peace on top of the agenda.