diligence with which the Council has begun its debate on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories - and particularly on the ways'and means most likely to ensure the adequate protection of the Palestinian population under Israeli occupation - is yet another reflection of the Council's keen awareness of its responsibilities towards the Palestinian people. In our view, the report submitted by the Secretary-General to aid us in our deliberations is complete, balanced and responsible; we are pleased that it Stresses this special duty of the international community. Therefore, Mr. President, I wish through you to pay a well-deserved tribute to the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, for this excellent tool to assist us in our thoughts and our work; its lofty vision confirms the high priority that, since he took office at the head of our Organisation, he has always attached to the Middle East problem in general and to the Palestinian question in par titular. MY delegation wishes also to thank and congratulate Under-Secretary-General Marrack Goulding; he carried out the high responsibilities entrusted to him by the Secretary-General with devotion and objectivity. EMS/8 s/Pv.2786 32 (Mr. SarrG, Senegal) In various statements before the General Assembly and in this Chamber, both as representative of Senegal and as Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, I have never failed to stress the need to reach a negotiated, just and lasting settlement o.f the Middle East problem. One of the merits of the Secretary-General's report, contained in document S/19443 of 21'January 1988, is that it reminds us of that need. It will have been noted that the method we have adopted and suggested in the examination of the Middle East problem and in the search for a solution has always 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a speech or statement made by a representative of Senegal in the United Nations, discussing the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and the efforts of the international community to address the issue. The language used is diplomatic and formal, indicating that the topic is of a political or international relations nature. The text does not mention any specific economic, industrial, or environmental issues, but rather focuses on the political and humanitarian aspects of the situation.

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