New York: Noting that peace in the West Asia hinges on a just and lasting solution to the decades old Arab-Israeli conflict, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has pledged support of the world body to help achieve the goal.

In a message delivered to the League of Arab States summit in Damascus over the weekend, Ban urged Arab nations to "act responsibly" and exercise their influence to support the cessation of violence in and around Gaza.

"Your engagement is particularly crucial for the fragile political process currently underway between (Palestinian Authority) President (Mahmoud) Abbas and (Israeli) Prime Minister (Ehud) Olmert," Ban said, adding that while the two leaders have expressed their desire to reach an agreement by the end of this year, "the path to peace remains littered with daunting challenges."

Referring to the political crisis in Lebanon where the President's post has been vacant for the past four months, Ban said that this situation is no longer sustainable.

"All Lebanese leaders should put the interests of their country and people first and bring the country away from the brink," he said, and urged them to rally behind and work for the implementation of the Arab League initiative on the issue.

The Secretary-General also cited "significant progress" in the establishment of the Special Tribunal to try those responsible for the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri in February 2005,noting that the court's work will be an important step toward ending impunity and contribute to a just and lasting peace in the country.

"The challenges ahead are substantial, but they are not insurmountable," Ban stated, as he called for building a strong and strategic partnership between the UN and the Arab League, "one that delivers on the security, development and human rights aspirations of the Arab people."
Source : PTI