move beyond statements of principle and find a means to reconcile and implement the various peace proposals. The conclusions of the recent meeting of the Palestine National Council can and should con­ tribute to the peace process. The Ten therefore wel­ come the discussions between Jordan and the PLO. The Palestinian people and the PLO should seize the present opportunity by declaring themselves in favour of peace negotiations. This would be a major step forward. to which the Ten would expect all concerned to respond constructively. "The Ten look to the Arab States to play their part by supporting those who seek a solution to the de­ mands of the Palestinian people by political means. "The efforts of the United States will continue to be indispensable to create the conditi-.ins in, \\·hich negotiations can begin. .. Above all. the time has come for Israel Ill shlm· that it stands ready for genuine negotiations lln the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 ( 1%7) and 338 ( 1973). in the first place by refraining from en­ larging existing settlements or creating new ones. These settlements are contrary to international law and a nutior and growing obstacle to peace efforts. "The Middle East is a region with which the Ten have long been closely associated and in "llllSC fu­ ture they have a deep interest. Thl.·~ inll'nd hl main­ tain lhl·ir contacts with all_lhl.' parlil.·s and Ill use their inlllll.'lll.'l.' Ill l.'lll."liurac.l.' 1111n l.'llll'lll hn, ants l·nmprornisl.' and lll'g111iall'd 's,1l111i1llls. l'hc, bl.·lil'\'e that this is in the best interest of the countries and the peoples of the region, of the Ten themselves and of their mutual relations. "The Ten expressed once again their growing concern at the continued conflict between Iraq and Iran, which constitutes an ever more serious threat 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a statement from a group of countries (referred to as "The Ten") addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and expressing their desire for a peaceful resolution. The text mentions specific actions that need to be taken, such as implementing peace proposals, refraining from expanding settlements, and supporting political means to address the Palestinian people's demands. The text also touches on the conflict between Iraq and Iran, highlighting its seriousness. Given the focus on international relations, conflict resolution, and political issues, it is likely that the text falls under the category of...

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