New Delhi, Mar 5: Reforms are the only way to end the cycle of violence in the Middle East, Vice President Hamid Ansari while releasing his new book 'Traveling Through Conflict: Essays on the Politics of West Asia.'

Diplomat-turned-statesman and academician Ansari said reforms were an imperative to peace in the region.

"All societies reform themselves sooner or later. They do it when they feel the imperative need for such reforms. But a pace for those reforms cannot be projected," he added.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee reiterated New Delhi's known stance on urging the various countries and groups to find a peaceful solution to the raging conflict.

"The Government of India has strongly urged all parties concerned for an immediate end of this cycle of violence. Misery and the hardships that this violence has produced cannot go on much longer. The people of the region and the international community seek nothing but peace. It is clear the violence that we have seen particularly in recent months and days cannot produce this peace," Mukherjee said on the occasion.

The book marks a rare distinction for Ansari, as seldom have the country's top statesmen written books while in office on issues impinging on the nation's contemporary diplomacy and policy matters.

'Traveling through conflict' is a compilation of Ansari's academic papers, book reviews and newspaper columns written over five years before his elevation to the gubernatorial post.

'Traveling Through Conflict' deals with two broad themes: contemporary questions pertaining to religion and politics in the Muslim world, as well as their implications for state policy; and specific subjects in the politics of West Asian countries, especially in relation to Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Israel and Palestine, Saudi Arabia, the security of the Persian-Gulf, and proposed reforms.

Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, Youth Affairs and Sports Mani Shankar Aiyyar also read some excerpts from the book and said: " Ansari's analysis of West Asian countries sheds light on the basic causes of the disturbances in those countries."

Aiyyar also described Ansari's contribution as a career diplomat an excellent one. A number of diplomats and foreign dignitaries were also present on the occasion. (ANI)