the special leadership role accorded to your nation by virtue of permanent membership of this important body, which was established to build and to maintain lasting international peace and security. 54. As a linguist who must understand, more than m&t, the emotions of peoples across the globe, as an accomp- lished general who dedicated his life to the struggle against aggression and other conditions of war, you have a per- sonal background that equips you to face the challenges thrust upon the Security Council at a moment when this generation is called upon to fill undesirable gaps in credi- bility introduced into the United Nations by our very poor responses to cruelty, immorality, murder and defiance of universal norms of decency and principles of legality. Your presidency must not fail, because we cannot afford, in this commemorative year, to demonstrate an incapacity on the part of the most powerful among us to defuse the fiustra- tions of the helpless or to uphold those norms of civilized conduct we collectively cherish. We must be seen to be rekindling the lofty hopes of man that attended the success of San Francisco four decades ago. 55. We have not requested this opportunity of speaking here merely to join in a chorus of deserved condemnation, which the Pretoria rigime has consistently treated with casual contempt. It is our belief that the Security Council must reach a decision after this debate which would send a clear message to the world of a dramatic determination to bring to an end the senseless loss of life and property as well as the sufferings of men, women and children caused by the South African regime. The deprived peoples of southern Africa have had enough. The spirituality that has restrained our freeddm-seeking and peace-loving peoples 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be a speech or statement addressing the United Nations Security Council, likely in the context of a conflict or crisis involving South Africa. The language used is formal and diplomatic, with a focus on the moral and humanitarian aspects of the situation. The speaker is emphasizing the importance of the Security Council's decision and the need to uphold international norms and principles.

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