place at the Council table. repeatedly stated thai in the new circumstances surround- ing the situation in Lebanon UNIFIL as established in 1978 has outlived its usefulness and its presence is no longer called for in southern Lebanon. 57. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Arabic): I call on the representative of Israel. 58. Mr. BLUM (Israel): Permit me at the outset, Sir, to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of October. You and I represent ‘in the United Nations the two States that emerged on the territory of the former Palestine Mandate--e Arab and one Jewish. For reasons well known to all of us, we have not been able thus far to enjoy the blessings of peace in onr 65. The continuing tragedy of Lebanon is a consequence of the havoc .wreaked by the PLO [Palestine Liberation Organization] and its allies over the past decade. Knowing e full well the potential for subversion inherent in the PLO, Arab Governments were unwilling to tolerate the pres- ence of this terrorist organization on their own countries’ soil and, as a result, dumped that group upon Beirut and on the people of Lebanon. As a consequence, Lebanon’s sovereignty was eroded and the country was torn apart by violent strife. This, in turn, was seized upon by Syria as a pretext for invading Lebanon in an attempt to realize its ._ 5 bilateral relations. I know you will join me in expressing the hope that our two’countries will soon establish peace, good-neighbourliness and friendship for their own benefit and for the benefit of the entire region. 59. May I also take this opportunity to express our appreciation to your predecessor, Mr. Sinclair of Guyana, for the very able manner in which he carried out his func- 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be a diplomatic statement or speech, discussing the situation in Lebanon and the role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the region. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting a high-level political discussion. The text does not mention any specific economic, environmental, or scientific issues, but rather focuses on the political and humanitarian aspects of the situation.

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