Syrian ambassador has royal wedding invitation withdrawn

Published on Thursday 28 April 2011 12:20

THE Syrian ambassador's invitation to the royal wedding has been withdrawn, the Foreign Office announced today.

With the backing of Buckingham Palace, Foreign Secretary William Hague decided that Sami Khiyami's presence would be "unacceptable" at a time when Britain is at loggerheads with Damascus over the bloody crackdown on protesters against President Bashar Assad.

The invitation had sparked fury, particularly among Labour supporters angry that former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown were omitted from the guest list.

But Mr Blair said today he did not mind missing tomorrow's wedding.

Speaking during a visit to Colombia, Mr Blair said it was "not a problem at all" and wished Prince William and Kate Middleton every happiness.

In a statement announcing the withdrawal of Dr Khiyami's invitation, the Foreign Office said: "Representatives of countries with which the UK has normal diplomatic relations have been invited to the wedding.

"An invitation does not mean endorsement or approval of the behaviour of any government, simply that we have normal diplomatic relations with that country.

"In the light of this week's attacks against civilians by the Syrian security forces, which we have condemned, the Foreign Secretary has decided that the presence of the Syrian Ambassador at the Royal Wedding would be unacceptable and that he should not attend.

"Buckingham Palace shares the view of the Foreign Office that it is not considered appropriate for the Syrian Ambassador to attend the wedding."