A senior United Nations official on December 3 called on Arab countries to give equal rights to women and allow them to play a greater role in the process of social and economic development.

Angela King, UN Assistant Secretary-General, said at a press conference that Arab women are facing many problems, especially the traditional belief on women's role, conflicts in the region and poverty.

She added the poverty is the main obstacle for women's progress in the men-dominated Arab world.

The UN statistics show that women make up 3.4 percent of members of parliaments in Arab countries compared to 11.4 percent worldwide in 1998. About 55 percent of Arab women are illiterate.

King called on Arab countries to improve the situation of women and grant them the rights recognized in most parts of the world.

The official arrived in Beirut on Sunday for a five-day fact-finding trip, during which she held talks with Lebanese leaders on women's issue.