President Fernando Belatinde Terry involved itself in the constant search for formulas to avoid, first, the initiation of hostilities and a direct confrontation through the establishment of a 72-hour truce that would then facilitate the peace efforts undertaken by the Secretary of State of the United States. With the failure of Mr. Haig’s efforts, all of Peru’s efforts were devoted to plans to bring about a cessation of hostil- ities and to lay the foundation for negotiations between both sides that would make possible a just and lasting settlement of the colonial question of the Malvinas Islands. 165. On 3 April. the Government of Peru set down its position in a communiquk that contained three fundamental points: first, Peru’s support for the Argen- tine claim to the Malvinas Islands, based on statements kind resolutions adopted by the United Nations: secondly, its repeated assertion of commitment to the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with and out of respect for treaties in force; and thirdly. its appeal to the parties to enter into negotiations and seek a peaceful solution to the situation. 166. On 12 April, the Government of Peru fur- mally proposed to Argentina and the United Kingdom [S//4%6, trnilc~.r] that, in accordance with paragraph I of Council resolution 502 (1982), they should establish a 72-hour truce pending the continuance of the good offices undertaken by the United States Secretary of State and accepted by both parties. The purpose of that Peruvian initiative was to prevent an armed con- frontation that was at that time increasing the gravity of the situation, which already constituted a serious threat to international peace and security. 167. That appeal by the Peruvian Government was welcomed by the Government of the Argentine Re- public. For its part, the British Government, through 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing a diplomatic effort to resolve a conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Malvinas Islands. The Peruvian government is involved in this effort, proposing a 72-hour truce and appealing to the parties to enter into negotiations. The text does not mention any economic, environmental, or social issues related to the conflict, but rather focuses on the diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully.

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