RAMALLAH, May 3, 2007, (WAFA)- President Mahmoud Abbas received Thursday the UN Secretary-General Representative for Peace Process in the middle east, Mr. Alvaro de Soto.

President briefed de Soto about the latest developments in the region and the Palestinian territories, as well as the critical circumstances the Palestinian people live as a result of the international siege.

Abbas and de Soto discussed the exerted efforts to revive the peace process.

Following meeting with President Abbas, in the Presidential Office in Ramallah, de Soto said that situation in the middle east is very difficult, asserting on ending the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The Representative of UN Secretary General praised the efforts of President Abbas for reviving the peace process. He described Abbass's efforts as a good chance to end violence.

De Soto, who prepares to return home, expressed support to the national unity government and called on the international community to play a bigger role to achieve peace in the middle east.

S.A.S. (P 13:35) (GMT 10:35)