glad to be benefiting from your experience and wisdom. 18. I should be grateful to you if you would transmit to Mr. Amega, who last month presided over our delibera- tions with great determination and talent, our deep grati- tude for the services he rendered to the Council. 19. I am also happy to welcome our new colleagues from Malta, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Pakistan and Zimbabwe. 20. This is not the first time that the Council has met to consider the question of settlements in the occupied terri- tories. But, as Israel is continuing its policy of establishing settlements against the unanimous opinion of the interna- tional community, the Council has once again to take up the matter. 21. Sharing, as it does, the legitimate feelings aroused in the world by these actions, the French Government condemns most energetically the continuation of Israel’s policy in this area. 22. It might be worth while to recall that the French Government has always opposed legislative or other measures taken by the Israeli authorities in the occupied territories or to create new settlements. My Government believes that the policy of fait accompli pursued by Israel in the territories it has occupied since 1967 is unaccepta- ble. It is contrary to the rules of international law, partic- ularly the Hague Convention of 19072 and the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949,’ whereby the occupy- ing Power is bound to preserve the demographic, eco- nomic and cultural nature of the regions it is occupying, 23. My Government especially regrets Israel’s actions because they have occurred at a time when peace initia- tives are emerging in greater number than ever in an attempt to find a solution to the Middle East conflict. 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a speech or statement made by a government representative, likely the French Government, on the topic of international relations, specifically regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the establishment of settlements in occupied territories. The text does not mention economic development, natural resources, industry, transport, communication, international trade, health, education, employment, humanitarian aid, or culture. It does, however, touch on humanitarian and political issues, which suggests a category related to international relations or conflict resolution.

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