UN welcomes Obama's approach towards Muslim world

Welcoming US President Barack Obama's overtures towards Muslim world, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed hope that the approach will herald a new chapter in the relationship between America and the Islamic countries.

The Seceretary-General described Obama's historic speech in Cairo yesterday as "a crucial step in bridging divides and promoting intercultural understanding, which is a major objective of the United Nations," Ban's spokesperson said.

Commending his "message of peace, understanding and reconciliation," Ban hoped that the step will have "a positive impact on the peace process in the Middle East and the resolution of a number of conflicts in the Middle East and beyond," the spokesperson said.