November 198 1 and September 1982 [ibid.]. Those pro- posals seem to us to show that the Arab side is agreed on the need to work for a political solution. We welcome the talks which have taken place already between the Jordan- ian Government and the PLO as a part of this process. We hope that the Palestine National Council, meeting even now in Algiers, will make a further positive contribution. 37. As members of the Security Council, it is surely our common responsibility to urge the parties concerned to seize the opportunity which appears to exist at this moment and which may not last for long. And a major 4 step in facilitating this would be a freeze on settlements by the Government of Israel. This could provide a stimulus to all those involved in the current negotiations to break through to new and mutually satisfactory agreements. 38. Mr. SCHELTEMA (Netherlands): This being the first time I am speaking under your presidency, Sir, may I congratulate you on your assumption of this high office and convey to you my best wishes and those of my delegation. 39. May I also take this opportunity to express my ap- preciation and respect to your predecessor, the representa- tive of Togo, for the competent way in which he carried out the functions of the presidency last month. 40. The Netherlands attaches the greatest imuortance to all matters .affecting the rights of The. population of the territories which Israel occupied in 1967. We have repeat- edly stated that the provisions of the fourth Hague Con- vention of 1907’ and the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civiiian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949,’ are applicable to the territories occupied in 1967. This implies that the Israeli settlements in those 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic statement discussing political issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It mentions negotiations, settlements, and international law, suggesting that the topic is more related to politics and international relations rather than economic or social issues.

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