Annan reiterates importance of US role in Middle East peace

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today reiterated the important role of the United States in the Middle East peace process following comments by one of his senior advisers that raised questions about Washington's involvement in the region.

A statement issued by Mr. Annan's spokesman said that remarks attributed to Special Adviser Lakhdar Brahimi, made Monday in Dubai at the Arab Strategy Forum, "do not reflect United Nations policy, or that of the Secretary-General."

It went on to stress that Mr. Annan "has been working closely and harmoniously" in the so-called diplomatic Quartet with the United States, the Russian Federation and the European Union "to promote a settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians as part of a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region."

"US leadership is indispensable," the statement said.