The Secretary General called on the international community to help the Palestinian Authority “to rebuild, reform, and perform,” and he also emphasized the need for the situation on the ground to “improve rapidly and visibly.” “Without implementing longstanding commitments under the roadmap and the agreement on movement and access, the diplomatic process cannot succeed. Progress requires parallel action and clear monitoring,” Ban said. Welcoming the commitment of both Palestinian and Israeli leaders to try to resolve the conflict, the leadership of the United States as host of the Annapolis meeting, and the presence at the conference of many Arab countries, Ban pledged the United Nation’s backing to the renewed peace efforts.--MORE www.spa.gov.sa/503984