condolences totheGovernment andthepeopleofMexicoontheirgreatlossinthe greatdisaster thathasbefallen theircountry. Iceland welcomes Brazil's proposal, anditsacceptance, ofaninternational reliefeffortthrough theUnited Nations system. Thefortieth sessionisindeedaproperforumtotakestockandtoreviewpast achievements aswellasfailures andshortcomings. Weknowthattherearemanywho havebeen,andare,readytocriticize theOrganization. Thecriticism has sometimes beenunfairandunfounded gbutunfortunately ithastoooftenbeen justified. Constructive andpositive criticism isalwaysinorder,and,indeed, necessary, because onlywithsuchcriticism willimprovements bemade.-.,..------------------~_._ ..._- JP/fd A/40/PV.7 9~'~ (ME'•.BallgriRsson, Iceland) Inaystateaent. at.thethiE'ty-nint:b session Icriticized, ashavemanyothers, theorganization ofWOE'koftheGeneE'al Asaeably, itsttOE'king methods andits ~E'petual E'epetition ofE'esolutions, SOllefoE'decades, insteadofearnestly seeking thesolution ofthepE'Oblemsthey addE'ess. ItheE'efore E'eadwithgE'eatattention theconclusions of11fomerPresidents oftheAsselllbly, reflecting theiE'viewsand PE'oposals.. asaE'esultoftheirdelibeE'ation lastJuneonthecrisisof .altilateralisa asit.affects theUnitedNations and~provement oftheGeneE'al Assembly.AMH/22---------------~--~----- A/40/PV.,7 96 (Mr.Hallgrimsson, Iceland) InmyviewourOrganization couldnothavebeengivenamoresignificant and usefulanniversary present thanthewiserecommendations theyhaveadvanced. It onlyremains forustoadopttheimprovements theyhaverecommended tous. Iamnotoneofthosewhomaintain thevi~wthattheCharter oftheUnited Nationsisbasically atfault and.~equires drastic revision andamendments. I consider theCharter aremarkable document -infact,aI"..ilest.one inthehistoryof human prog~ess. Theproblemisnottheimperfections oftheCharter butthelackofpolitical willtoimplement it,provisions fully. Itisbelieved thathistoryisapttorepeatitself. Thr.4roleoftheUnited Nations -ourrole-istoprevent undesirable thingsfromrepeating themselves in relations betweenStatesinsofarasthisishumanly possible. Thesuccessofour efforts willinlargedegreedependontheapproach weadopt: whether weapproach theunsolved problems withsomeflexibility inaspi~itofconciliation orwhether ~eenteronorcontinue alongadead-end course. Allourpeoples haveatonepointoranother beenfacedwithcrisesor critical situations. Tryingtomasterthemisofcoursemostimportant, butalmost equally important istograspthelessonsthatsuchordeals canteachthosewhoare readytolearn. Wecannodoubtlearnmuchfromeachother's experience. Almostathousand yearsagoacivilwarwasabouttobreakoutinmycountry duringaparliamentary session between thosewhowantedthenationtokeepits faithintheoldheathen godsandthosewhoadvocated Christianity. Thiswas certainly oneofthemostcritical moments intheentirehistory ofmypeople. The matterwasreferred forarbitration tooneofthewisestofthechieftains. After duereflection hedelivered hisverdict inwhatistheearliest parliamentary speechonrecordinmycountry. Thisspeechofatnousand yearsagoisbrief,and-----------_._-----------------torefrain fromtheuseofarmedforceandtoseekasolution oftheirinternal as ThePreamble toourCharter statesthattheUnitedNations wasfounded "toA/40/PV.7 97 "[He]saidthathethought thestateofthenationtohavecometoasorry Therearemanyburning worldissuestobedealtwithatthisAssembly, someofpassifpeopledidnotallkeeponelawinthisland....andthatitwouldlead tosuchdiscord, surelytobeexpected, thatfighting wouldtakeplaceallOngst thepeoplesuchaswoulddestroy theland•••ButnowIthinkitwisethatwe onelawandonefaith.Itwillprovetruethataswesunderthelaw,soshall Letmeonlystressthat,whileurgingtheStatesMembersoftheUnitedNationsThespeechspeaksforitselfandrequires noconment orexplanation onmypart.between themthateachkeepssomething ofhiscauselandweshouldallkeepshouldnotletthoserulewhomost w~nttocontend, butshouldmediate so He,whowashimself aheathen uthendeclared thatallmenshouldbewesunderthepeace." privacy, withnowitnesses present -thusspelling thegradual dyingoutofthe heathen faith. thatwedonotlosesightofanyofthe'basic principles enshrined intheCharter(Mr.Hallgrimsson, Iceland) itsbrevity couldserveasanexample touswhoaddressthisAssembly. Forthe wellasexternal differences throughconciliation andcompromise, itisimperativeAMS/22 which,hopefully, willbebroughtclosertobeingresolved.oftheUnitedNations andtheUniversal Declaration ofHumanRights.lasting wisdomitcontains, however, allowmetosharewiththeAssembly the Christians. Thosewhohadadhered totheoldfaithwerepermitted tocontinue certain religious practices butonlyonthecondition thattheydidsoincompleteaccountofthismemorable speech: savesucceeding generations fromthescourgeofwar."Article 51oftheUnitedNations Charter.3million moreliveslostthanintheSecondWOrldWar. peace,asthefounding fathers intended?A/40/PV.7 98----------~~~~~~-~---------~- unabletoachievethisgoal.However, armslimitations anddisarmament havebeenArticle 26oftheCharter givestheSecurity Council aleadingroleintheItisindeedtimely. Andinthisconnection permit meonceagaintodrawItisworthconsidering that,throughout thisperiod, western EuropeandNorth Hasnotthetimecomeforustostrengthen theSecretary-General's roleinHasnotthetimecometotakefulladvantage oftheprovisions oftheCharterHasnotthetimecomeforustodosomething effective tohaltandpreventall(Mr.Hallgrimsson, Iceland)
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a speech by a representative of Iceland to the United Nations General Assembly, discussing the organization's role and effectiveness in preventing conflicts and promoting peace. The speech touches on various topics, including the UN's charter, its shortcomings, and the need for reform. The speaker also references specific historical events and cultural practices, such as the introduction of Christianity in Iceland. The overall tone is reflective and critical, with a focus on the UN's role in promoting peace and preventing war.

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