“The Secretary-General believes that the opening of the Rafah crossing will contribute to improving the Palestinians’ freedom of movement and economic activity,” a spokesman for Mr. Annan said in a statement.

The Secretary-General also expressed his appreciation to the diplomatic Quartet’s Middle East Envoy, James Wolfensohn, and to the Secretary of State of the United States, Condoleezza Rice, for their efforts in brokering the deal.

Additionally, he thanked the European Union for its proposed technical assistance in its implementation, the spokesman said.