Prez wishes Syria on National day

President Pranab Mukherjee today wished the citizens of Syria on the occasion of their National Day as he expressed the hope that violence in the West Asian country would end soon.
"India and the Syrian Arab Republic have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations. We are, therefore, concerned at the violence and loss of lives in Syria. We hope that all sides will cease violence at the earliest and resolve all issues peacefully through discussions in accordance with the Geneva Communique, taking into account the aspirations of the people of Syria," Mukherjee said in his message to Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.

"On behalf of the government and the people of India, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the friendly people of the Syrian Arab Republic on the occasion of your National Day.
"I avail of this occasion to reiterate India's commitment to further strengthen and diversify our bilateral cooperation to the mutual benefit of our people," Mukherjee said.