of "inconvenient" issues. Thus, by way of example, the Soviet Union seeks to erect an iron curtain of silence around its brutal occupation of Afghanistan, Viet Nam leaps into debates in an attempt to hide its ruthless suppression of the people of Kampuchea and Cuba strives to deflect attention from the activities of its mercenary forces in Africa by continuously spout­ ing inflammatory rhetoric on a variety of pretexts. This ongoing manipulation of the United Nations system and its subjugation to the cynical purposes of Arab States, the Soviet Union and its satellites are largely responsible for the growing disrepute of the United Nations in the international community, thus contributing significantly to the widespread sentiments regarding its increasing irrelevance to the issues of peace and security in our times. I have the honour to request that this letter be cir­ culated as a document of the Security Council. (Signed) Yehuda Z. BLUM Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations DOCUMENT S/15626* Letter dated 25 February 1983 from the representative of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to the Secretary-General Upon the instructions from my Government and on behalf of the People's Republic of Kampuchea and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, I have the honour to forward herewith the two statements of the Summit Conference of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the People's Republic of Kampuchea and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, held on 22 and 23 February 1983 at Vientiane. I should be grateful if you would arrange for these statements to be circulated as an official document of the General Assembly and of the Security Council. (Signed) Xaynhonh KHAMMAV0NG Charge d'affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to the United Nations ANNEX I Statement dated 23 February 1983 of the summit 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic communication between the Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations and the Charge d'affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to the United Nations. The content revolves around the manipulation of the United Nations system by certain countries, including the Soviet Union, Viet Nam, and Cuba, to conceal their human rights abuses and military interventions. The text also mentions the occupation of Afghanistan and the suppression of the people of Kampuchea. The tone is critical and accusatory, suggesting a focus on international politics and diplomacy.

**Category**
International trade, Humanitarian aid and relief, Culture