place in jeopardy the functioning of peace-keeping opera- tions, as well as hinder efforts to ensure wide geographical representation in the peace-keeping forces. .24. We therefore hope that the most urgent appeal of the Secretary-General to all Member States to pay their assess- ments without delay will be promptly heeded. 25. The PRESIDENT (interpretation jkom Arabic): I thank the representative of the Netherlands for his kind words about me. 26. Mr. de la BARRE de NANTEUIL (France) (inrerpre- ration from French): I should like to say’ first, Sir, how pleased my country is to see your country assuming the presidency-and particularly how pleased we are to see you presiding over our work. We recall that you repre- sented your country in our capital in a particularly out- standing way, and that you gained many friends there, as you have done in all the other posts you have held. We are sure that your intelligence, your wisdom, your vast expe- rience and your professional qualifications guarantee the success of your term in office as President. May I add that your personal courtesy, your kindness and your sense of humour-which, I would say, is another expression of your kindness and your curiosity about others-are also guarantees that you will have not only a very fruitful presi- dency but also one that will be very pleasant for all of us. 27. The Council has just renewed for a six-month period the mandate of UNIFIL. By associating itself with the decision just taken, my delegation wished to show the importance it attaches to UNIFIL’s role in southern Leba- non. France, in fact, shares the assessment made by the Secretary-General in his report that .“It is evident that, despite the present circumstances, TIFIL remains an important element of stability in southern Lebanon” [ibid, 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic document discussing international relations and peacekeeping operations. It mentions the Secretary-General, Member States, and a specific peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) in Lebanon. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting a discussion of international politics and governance.

**Category**
International relations, Humanitarian aid and relief