Syrian Ambassador 'embarrassed' over wedding invite

28 April 2011 Last updated at 09:18 ET Help

The Syrian ambassador's invitation to Friday's royal wedding has been withdrawn after officials said it was inappropriate for him to attend.

The decision to invite Dr Sami Khiyami had been criticised, amid condemnation of a violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in the country.

Speaking to Martha Kearney on Radio 4's The World at One programme, he said he was "a little bit embarrassed" at having his invitation withdrawn, but wished the couple the best of luck.

He went on to say things are settling down in Syria but refused to be drawn on how many people had been killed in the recent violence.

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