United Nations Radio

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed regret that an agreement is unlikely to be reached between Palestinians and Israelis by the goal set by the Annapolis process - by the end of this year.

However, he says all members of the Quartet- the United Nations, the European Union, Russia and the United States - were impressed by the commitment of the parties to pursue negotiations and remain focused on the goal: a final peace treaty, on all core issues.

"e expect negotiations to continue uninterrupted through the coming period of transition. And all parties will be looking to the incoming U.S. Administration to engage early, as a matter of highest priority. The goal remains clear to all: an end of conflict, an end of occupation, a two state solution."

Secretary-General Ban says they also agreed on the urgent need to improve the situation on the ground, and to support the work of the Palestinian government to build security and improve living conditions.

This, he says, requires action on Roadmap commitments, including on settlements, as well as a cessation of actions such as house demolitions that are contrary to international law or alter the status quo, including in East Jerusalem.

He calls on Hamas and all Palestinian factions to respond positively to Egypt's unity efforts.

He also calls on Israel to ease the severe closure of Gaza by allowing sufficient and predictable supplies to reach the population, ensuring access for humanitarian workers, and facilitating stalled UN projects.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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