"It is necessary to better understand the will of the people and to carry out policies that reflect their demands"

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday received a delegation of visiting US senators headed by Senator Richard Shelby telling them that Arab leaders should tune in to their people's needs, state-run SANA news agency reported.
  
Assad said it is necessary "to better understand the will of the people and to carry out policies that reflect" their demands noting that "policy making can't be drawn in isolation from the peoples", SANA reported. Assad also called on the United States to "review its role in the peace process through serious action for a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East."

Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem, Presidential Political and Media Advisor Bouthaina Shaaban, Deputy Foreign Minister Fayssal Mikdad, Director of America Department at the Foreign Ministry and the new US ambassador to Damascus Robert Ford attended the meeting.