mutual advantage, non-use of force or the threat of force and the peaceful settlement of disputes. 141. The points I have just made sometimes lend them- selves to differing interpretations but they have never been contradicted, and, in the spirit of consensus which should always prevail amongst us, they can be considered as the central pillar of all our actions and decisions. 142. The part of the Secretary-General’s report on the work of the Organization relating to the Security Council has already been the subject of a thoroughgoing exchange of views among members of the Council. We are particu- larly grateful to him for having reminded us of such impor- tant points as the Council’s role in the regulation of armaments; the reasons which prompted us to think of a collective system of international peace and security; the prevention, control and reduction of conflicts; the need for unanimity and a spirit of co-operative consultation in the Council; and the readiness of Member States to turn to the Council for action and to respect and implement its decisions. 143. It is clear that if we succeed in putting into practice the suggestions of the Secretary-General and pursue and develop the thoughts he has been good enough to share with us, we will in that way already have contributed to the advent of a better world. The international community has quite rightly identified our shortcomings and weaknesses and expects that we, ourselves, will strengthen our capacity to take decisions and act, inasmuch as our role is already defined in the Charter. 144. In this regard, the major obstacle which appears to be paralysing the Council in the exercise of its functions is our inability to find a broad consensus at the right time on the most important problems. Bilateral disputes and diver- 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the role of the United Nations Security Council in maintaining international peace and security, focusing on the importance of consensus, cooperation, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. It mentions the Secretary-General's report on the work of the Organization, highlighting the need for the Council to take decisive action to address international conflicts and promote a better world.

**Category**
International relations, Peace and security