more than 7.5 per cent of the points at issue had been agreed, including all of the principles of resolution 502 (1982). We simply cannot afford now to let that be lost. For our part, therefore, we consider that there could be merit in having the Council formally ask the Secretary-General to renew his efforts, but this time with the added strength which a formal mandate from the Security Council could give him. 168. It might seem at first sight that it would be of little avail simply to ask the Secretary-General to continue an effort which he himself felt it necessary yesterday to bring to an end. But if the Council, in pressing for an end to conflict, should now in addition give the Secretary-General a formal mandate, then his effort could receive new life. Its content is already admirable. My question is, can we give it new form, new status and new authority? 169. Those are the views which Ireland would wish to express at this moment in our discussion of this urgent matter. Let me conclude by setting them out in brief. 170. We think it vital that conflict, with all its dan- gers and tragic possibilities, should end and end quickly. We think it vital that basic principles should be maintained. And we think it vital that everything on which the Secretary-General has been able to achieve tentative agreement should now be preserved and built on through his further efforts until full agree- ment has been reached. I7 I. I should like to reserve my right to speak again at a later stage in ‘our debate if the circumstances should make it necessary to do so. 172. Mr. NISIBORI (Japan): First of all. Sir, I should like to extend to you my warm congratulations on your assumption of the presidency for the month 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing a political and diplomatic effort to resolve a conflict, with a focus on maintaining previously agreed-upon principles and achieving a formal mandate from the Security Council. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting a high-level international meeting or negotiation.

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