LONDON, April 28: Dr Sami Khiyami, the Syrian ambassador, has described the withdrawal of his invitation to the royal wedding as “a bit embarrassing”, but insisted he had not yet decided whether to attend when told that he was no longer welcome.

Buckingham Palace on Wednesday rescinded its invitation to Khiyami, on the grounds that it is “not appropriate” for him to attend.

The decision was made after the UK foreign secretary, William Hague, ruled that it would be “unacceptable” for a representative of the Syrian government to attend in the light of the killing of hundreds of pro-democracy demonstrators in the country.

Khiyami told the BBC radio that he could understand why the bride and the groom would not want any distraction at their wedding. He told the programme: “I find it a bit embarrassing but I don't consider it a matter that would jeopardise any ongoing relations and discussions with the British government.”

Khiyami was summoned to the Foreign Office on Wednesday, where he was told the UK regarded his government's use of force against demonstrators as “unacceptable”.

But the invitation remained in place until early Wednesday, with British diplomatic officials stressing that foreign dignitaries had been invited on the advice of the Foreign and Commonwealth office, which confirmed that, despite “disagreements”, normal diplomatic ties with Syria were still in place.

Labour politicians had expressed dismay at the prospect of a representative of the Syrian government attending the wedding when the violent suppression of protests against the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, has reportedly left as many as 500 civilians dead.

By mid-morning Wednesday, the foreign secretary changed tack, and his department issued a statement confirming that Khiyami's invitation was being withdrawn.

The statement said: “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.”

A Buckingham Palace statement said: “Buckingham Palace shares the view of the Foreign Office that it is not considered appropriate for the Syrian ambassador to attend the wedding.”

The British prime minister's office played down suggestions that Hague's decision amounted to political interference. “It is a family wedding, not a state occasion,” said a spokeswoman. “The guest list has been compiled by the couple and the royal household. Regarding foreign countries, it is right that the Foreign Office has discussions with the palace.”

She added: “The British public have seen what has happened in Syria and probably agree that the foreign secretary's decision is a good one.”

She refused to be drawn on whether the move reopened questions about other countries' representatives attending the wedding.

Crown Prince Salman al-Khalifa of Bahrain has already pulled out of the wedding because of controversy over the brutal response to demonstrations in his country.

Bahraini pro-democracy campaigners on Wednesday mounted a vigil outside the gates of Buckingham palace to protest at the decision to invite Saudi Prince Mohamed bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz despite his country's deployment of troops, and repression of citizens, in Bahrain. —Dawn/Guardian News Service