international community. I wish to emphasise that this decision of the Council is likewise aimed at ensuring absolute compliance with the sanctions against Iraq and is in strict conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and the norms of international law. At the same time, the expansion of the sphere of monitoring the full application of the sanctions laid down by the Council is something we regard as a continuation of the tirelerr efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful solution of the conflict. I cannot fail to mention the fact that frum the very start of the crisis, the Soviet Union has placed the main stress in its policy on collective efforts based on full uae of the rights and capabilities of the United Nations and on the need to resolve the crisis through non-military, political and diplomatic methods. We note with satisfaction that this approach is shared here within the United Nations as well. The preference expressed at R8lsinki by the Presidents of the USSR and the United States, Mr. Gorbachev and Mr. Rush, for a peaceful settlement of the crisis was a sign of the times. By joining our voice to the Council's voice of collective reason, we shall oontinu8 a most active dialogue with Iraq and with all parties affected by the arisir. We are convinaed that the foow of joint efforts must be a de-escalation of the crisis and a political solution. This does not, however, diminish our determination to achieve a cessation of the aggreseion, and if the etepe now being taken do not bring that result, then we EF/18 WPV.2943 77 shall be ready to consider the possibility of additional steps, in accordatrce with the Charter of the United Nations, to demonstrate that aggreseioa cannot and will not yield advantagee. 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a statement by a high-ranking official, possibly a government representative or a diplomat, discussing a decision made by the United Nations Security Council regarding sanctions against Iraq. The language used is formal and diplomatic, indicating a focus on international relations and conflict resolution. The text does not mention specific economic, environmental, or social issues, but rather emphasizes the importance of international law and collective efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully.

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