RIYADH, March 28 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Wednesday put forward at the opening session of the 19th Arab summit six common goals with the Arab League (AL) in a bid to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East.

    "Our two organizations (the UN and the AL) are close partners. As we move ahead, let us remember goals that have the power to unite countries and people throughout the region," Ban said while delivering a speech before the Arab leaders.

    Among the six common goals, an independent Palestinian state next to a secure Israel state, a stable, independent and democratic Lebanon, an Iraq at peace with itself and its neighbors,a peaceful solution to Sudan's Darfur strife rank the first four.

    A region free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction and a region where all people, regardless of their nationality or religion, can pursue their lives and aspirations free from war and fear, are also listed among the goals.

    Describing Riyadh summit as the most important Arab summit in recent years, the UN chief pledged to offer utmost priority to the regional issues as he confessed the situation in the region is now more complicated and more dangerous than ever before.

    Meanwhile, Ban disclosed he would fly to Lebanon on Friday after the summit to see the situation there personally.

    Concerning the political crisis in Lebanon, he underlined the need to resolve differences between Lebanese parliamentary majority and the opposition through sincere dialogue and aspiration for national reconciliation.

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