Obama says "moment is now" to restart Mideast peace process

DRESDEN, Germany, June 5 -- Visiting U.S. President Barack Obama

said on Friday that the "moment is now" to restart the Middle East peace process

and called on Israel and the Palestinians to make concrete and serious steps to

achieve peace.

"We've seen extraordinary activity already on this issue, and that sent a

signal to all the parties," said Obama at a joint press conference with German

Chancellor Angela Merkel in Dresden.

"The United States can't force peace upon the parties. But what we've tried

to do is clear away some of the misunderstandings," said Obama, stressing that

the international community is going to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve

peace but the ultimate responsibility lies with the two

parties.