complex problem, In now resuming the search for a peaceful settlement the Council has raised hopes of its possibilities for making progress. However, the Council cannot succeed in this quest if the parties concerned do not wish to avail themselves of its efforts and of its advantages as a meeting place for all concerned, a forum of discussion and an instrument for peace. But if, as I have said in the concluding observations of my report, that wish is present, this new effort to find a way to a settlement need not be futile, however great the difficulties. Indeed at the moment there seem to be few, if any, practical alternatives to the efforts of the United Nations in the quest for peace in the Middle East. 21. Obviously I, as Secretary-General, my Special Repre- sentative, the Secretariat and the various instrumentalities of the United Nations in the Middle East are at the disposal of the Council and of the Governments concerned to assist in any way we can. 22. May I express here, at the opening of this debate, my earnest hope that the Council’s deliberations may con- tribute to the better understanding of the problem before US and thus pave the way to a more constructive chapter in the history of the Middle East. 23. The PRESIDENT ltranslation f?om Russianj: I thank the Secretary-General’ for his statement. The next speaker on the list is the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Egypt, Mr. Mohamed Hassan El-Zayyat, on whom I now call. 24. Mr. ELZAYYAT (Egypt): Mr. President, first 1 should like to thank you not only for giving me the floor, not only for your courtesy and the kind words addressed to me but more for convening this meeting. It is really the Council 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic statement or report, discussing the United Nations' efforts to find a peaceful settlement in the Middle East. The language used is formal and diplomatic, indicating that the topic is of a high-level international nature. The text mentions the United Nations, the Council, and various governments, suggesting that it is related to international relations and politics.

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