Republic. I invite him to take a place at the Council table and to make his statement. 74. Mr. OTT (German Democratic Republic): Cqmrade President, at the very outset I should like to thank the members of the Council for giving me the opportunity to define my country’s position regarding the situation in the occupied Arab territories. 75. It is indeed a great pleasure for me cordially to con- gratulate you, Mr. Troyanovsky, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of February, because our two countries are linked by close ties of friendship and co-operation. My delegation wishes you every success in tackling the tasks facing the Council this month. 76. At the same time, I should like to reiterate our gratitude to the representative of Togo, Mr. Amega, for his service as President for the month of January. 77. My delegation would like to congratulate warmly the new members of the Council and to wish the represen- tatives of Malta, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Pakistan and Zimbabwe every success in the performance of their duties as members of this important organ, 78. The delegation of the German Democratic Republic has a great understanding of the request made by the representative of 3ordan, in his capacity as chairman of the Group of Arab States, that the debate concerning the situation in the occupied.Arab territories be resumed. In fact, since the opening of the debate at the end of last year, the situation in the occupied Arab territories has become more and more critical. Almost every day, the world public is faced with acts of terror and violence committed by the Israeli occupation forces in the occupied territories in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, the Syrian Golan Heights and southern Lebanon. 79. Israel’s ruling circles are escalating, without scruple, 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic statement made by a representative of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) at the United Nations Council, discussing the situation in the occupied Arab territories. The language used is formal and diplomatic, with a focus on expressing condolences, congratulations, and statements of support. The topic of discussion is clearly political and international in nature, with no mention of economic, environmental, or scientific issues.

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