United Nations, Dhu-AlQa'dah 20, 1432, Oct 18, 2011, SPA - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday welcomed the recent announcement of an exchange of prisoners between Israel and Hamas saying he hopes it brings momentum to peace talks. Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners beginning this week in exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit who has been held captive by Hamas. “The recent announcement, particularly on this exchange or prisoners-that is very welcome,” Ban said in Switzerland where he is on an official visit. “And I sincerely hope that this will give some positive momentum for their relationship for peace and security. And I am going to continue to work towards that direction.” Ban also reiterated the United Nations position that the Palestinians should have their own state. “The Palestinian people have been suffering during the last, over six decades. First of all they have not been able to enjoy genuine freedom and socio-economic support, and human rights,” he said. “We have to support their genuine aspirations to become an independent state, a sovereign state, as part of a two-State solution where Palestinians and Israelis can live side-by-side in peace and security.” --SPA 10:53 LOCAL TIME 07:53 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/935168