shouId give further impetus. A year ago now, Sir Anthony Parsons, your predecessor, Mr. President, in the Council, under similar circumstances made the same finding [234Zsf meeting]. I should like to quote what he said: “there is common ground amongst them, particularly amongst those most closely involved in the problems of the Central American region. There seems to be a clear wish for peaceful solutions. There appears to be a common desire for, io quote a number of speakers, negotiation and co-operation rather than confronta- tion.” * *Quoted in English by the speaker. 156. Our problem today is to ascertain how we can reach a stage where a non-machiavellian ethic prevails in international affairs in general and in relations among -certain Central American countries in particular. The ethic of international relations should be based essen- tially on thoughtfulness and moderation. I find that this ethic can be found in the Mexican proposal of last year, to which reference has recently been made, to the effect that the way to find a solution is through direct dialogue and regional co-operation, to which the aid of friendly countries and the moral weight of the Security Council, politically and institutionally, could give its sanction. 157. The PRESIDENT: The representative of the United States has asked to speak in exercise of his right of reply, and I now call on him. 158. Mr. LICHENSTEIN (United States of America): I did not want to let the occasion pass without any reflec- tion on the extraordinary statement that we heard this morning from the representative of Libya [242Zst meet- ing], and it was, indeed, an extraordinary statement. I do not refer to the calculated assault on rationality and civil- ity. No, what I found most striking was the very sure sense in which the representative of Libya seemed to 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic statement discussing international relations, peace, and conflict resolution, with specific references to Central American countries and the Security Council. The language used is formal and diplomatic, indicating that it is a formal document or speech. The content focuses on the importance of peaceful solutions, negotiation, and cooperation, rather than confrontation.

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