discussion of the item entitled ‘The situation in the occu- pied Arab territories*.*’ 10. The proposal by Qatar is not made pursuant to rule 37 or rule 39 of the provisional rules of procedure, but, if approved by the Council, the invitation to participate in the debate would confer on the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) the same rights of participation as those conferred on Member States pursuant to rule 37. Il. Does any member of the Council wish to speak on this proposal? 12. Mr. WALTERS (United States of America): The United States has consistently taken the position that, under the provisional rules of procedure, the only legal basis on which the Council may grant a, hearing to persons speaking on behalf of non-governmental entities is rule 39. For 39 years the United States has supported a generous interpretation of rule 39 and would certainly not object had this matter been raised under that rule. We are, how- ever, opposed to special ad hoc departures from orderly procedure. The United States, consequently, opposes extending to the PLO the same rights to participate in the proceedings of the Security Council as if that organization represented a Member State. We.certainly believe in listen- ing to all points of view, but none of that requires violating the rules. In particular, the United States does not agree with the recent practice of the Council, which appears selectively to try to enhance the prestige of those who wish to speak in the Council through a departure from the rules of procedure. We consider this special practice to be with- out legal foundation and to constitute an abuse of the rules. Council to the following documents: S/17412 and S/17448, containing the text of two letters dated 21 August and 9 September respectively, from the representative of Israel to the Secretary-General; S/17439, S/17445, 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing a proposal related to the participation of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in a debate in the United Nations Security Council. The content revolves around the rules of procedure and the rights of participation for non-governmental entities, specifically the PLO. This suggests that the topic is related to international relations, politics, and governance, rather than a specific economic, social, or environmental issue.

**Category**
International relations, Politics