ISLAMABAD, March 3: Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Monday agreed that if war in Iraq could be averted, it would be better for regional security and world peace.

The Syrian leader discussed the situation in the Middle East and the Iraq crisis with President Musharraf over telephone.

He briefed the president about the proceedings of Arab League Summit. The leaders exchanged views on the proposed meeting of Organization of Islamic Conference.—APP