establishment of peace in that area and, as a result, to the establishment of favourable conditions guaranteeing the peaceful existence of States in the eastern Mediterranean, 56. Cyprus is also situated very close to Europe. It is quite natural that the state of affairs on that formerly troubled continent should have a very direct influence on the situation in Cyprus. In that connexion, we may note with satisfaction that the favourable trend towards the relaxa- tion of international tension on the continent of Europe is, in the eyes of all the peoples of the world, transformed into an irreversible process of strengthening collective security and co-operation among all the countries of Europe. This was once again demonstrated by the success of the preparatory work for the convening of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe. We are convinced that the Conference will also make a significant contribu- tion to improving the situation in the Mediterranean. 57. The Soviet delegation views in a positive light the information relating to intercommunal talks provided in the Secretary-General’s report on the situation in Cyprus for the period 2 December 1972 to 31 May 1973. One cannot disagree with the general conclusion of the report that the best means of achieving a peaceful, generally acceptable settlement of the Cyprus problem is the renewal and continuation, in a positive spirit, of the intercolnmunal talks, The USSR delegation hopes that the talks will make it possible to overcome present difficulties and will end successfully, in the interests of the people of Cyprus and of the strengthening of peace in the area, . 58. The report contains a recommendation that the presence of the United Nations Forces in Cyprus be extended for a further six-month period, in order to guarantee norma conditions which will make it possible for the intercommunal talks to continue, The Soviet delegation‘ 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the situation in Cyprus, the importance of peace in the eastern Mediterranean, and the role of international cooperation in achieving a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem. It mentions the extension of the United Nations Forces in Cyprus and the continuation of intercommunal talks. These topics suggest that the category is related to international relations, peacekeeping, and conflict resolution.

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