lishment of new settlements, are devoid of any legal validity, constitute a flagrant violation of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949,’ and are an obstacle to any genuine, comprehensive and just solution of the Mid- dle East conflict. 69. It is our considered opinion that the Council should be in a position to impose upon the Israeli authorities the broad and binding sanctions provided for in Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, that it should hold 7 them responsible for the illegal and criminal acts commit- ted in Lebanon and other occupied Arab and Palestinian territories and that it should demand that Israel imme- diately a& unconditionally put an end to its prolonged occupation of those territories, including Jerusalem. 70. It is imperative, too, to adopt the measures necessary to guarantee the security and the rights of the Palestinian refugees in all territories occupied by Israel. 71. Cuba reiterates its profound conviction that a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Middle East conflict will be possible only with the restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, especially their right to return to their homes and to the creation of their own State in Palestine. No solution can be valid without the participation, on an equal footing, of the PLO, the sole, legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. 72. My Government trusts that the members of the Council will fulfil their lofty duties, as prescribed by the Charter and as demanded by world opinion, and that they will put an end to the insolent defiance by the Zionist authorities of Israel. 73. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Russian): The next speaker is the representative of German Democratic 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a political statement or a diplomatic declaration, discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of the United Nations in resolving it. It mentions the occupation of territories, the rights of Palestinian refugees, and the need for a just and comprehensive solution. The tone is strongly critical of Israeli actions and emphasizes the importance of international law and the participation of the Palestinian people in any solution.

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