NEW YORK, February 6, 2007, (WAFA)-UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon said that only a permanent political settlement, which ends the occupation, can provide a sustainable solution to the economic and humanitarian problems of the Palestinian people and lasting security for Israel.

In a letter sent to the UN seminar on assistance to the Palestinian People , held under the auspices of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People in Doha, Secretary General said that Without bold steps to guarantee security of the Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations, and without tangible measures that will enable the Palestinians to lead a normal economic and social life, the political process will not succeed.

"Israel's recent release of some of the withheld tax revenues was a welcome step, and I urge Israel to take further steps in this direction without delay. Equally important will be the lifting of all restrictions on the movement of goods and people, in order to breathe life into the Palestinian economy. Recent improvements at the Karni crossing are, again, a good first step in the right direction," the letter read by Ms. Angela Kane, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs.

He also said that continued settlement activity, as well as barrier construction despite the provisions of international law, further complicate Palestinian life as well as efforts to achieve a two state solution.

The Secretary General appealed to all international donors to be generous and step up their efforts at delivering emergency and other forms of assistance to the Palestinians people. "The various United Nations entities on the ground will, at the same time, continue to do their important work in order to alleviate hardships for the Palestinian population, adding that I look forward to working with you to realize the vision of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security."

M.H.(11:00 P)(09:00 GMT)