UN asks Arab League to increase cooperation

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Tuesday asked the Arab League for more cooperation with the UN, welcoming the cooperation meeting, which was held in Vienna, Austria on Tuesday. Ban said that the Arab world had important transformations since the meeting of the two organizations in 2008, especially in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, which witnessed the first free and transparent elections, noting that the Syrian people continue to suffer from unacceptable violence. In this regard the UN chief stressed the importance of cooperation between the two organizations in order to launch a political process in Syria. Ban also warned of the current "dangerous standstill" in the Middle East peace process, saying that the bodies must together "create the conditions for meaningful negotiations". "The Palestinian Authority needs the continuing support of the international community for its commendable state-building efforts, including financial help to ensure the payment of salaries and delivery of services to the population," Ban said, adding that both organizations must also ensure that the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) receives the funds it needs to provide its vital assistance.