�� The United Arab Emirates (UAE) urged the United States to use its influence to push forward the Middle East peace process so that security and stability could prevail in the region.

�� Ways should be found to overcome the difficulties hindering talks between the Palestinians and Israel to reach a final solution in accordance with agreements concluded between the two sides, said Sheikh Muhammad Bin Rashid al-Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defense Minister in a meeting with visiting US Defense Secretary William Cohen.

�� As a major sponsor of the peace process, the US can exercise its influence to achieve a tangible progress in building confidence and peace in the Middle East, Sheikh Muhammad said.

�� He also discussed with Cohen ways to enhance relations between the two countries.

�� Cohen arrived in Dubai Wednesday afternoon. Earlier in the day, he met with UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan and his eldest son in the capital Abu Dhabi.

�� The two countries are close to concluding a deal on UAE's buying of 80 US F-16 war planes, a deal worth more than 7 billion US dollars.

�� The UAE is the fourth leg of Cohen's Middle East tour which has taken him to Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. He is expected to leave for Cairo on Thursday morning for a visit to Egypt. (Xinhua)