ica-it is part of our territory and colonial imperialism came to impose a colonial system on it. In passing, I should like to r’ecall that we are talking about a colo- nial settlement with a handful of people, about 800fami- lies, and this is presented to us as if this were a people, a nation, with all the attributes of a State practically on the brink of independence. 280. This exaggeration of the principles concerned is a ,way of obscuring the truth, and this is what we want to say. 28 1. I should also like to recall that the wish of my country has been made clear: within the framework of the negotiations a solution was suggested which per- mitted an honourable outcome and opened the way towards a final solution of this long-standing contro- versy. However, we did not find in the exercise the same goodwill on the part of the United Kingdom. On the contrary, we found a constant stretching of legal terminology to cover all the possibilities of a reply which could really provide an intelligent and reasonable solution, a solution which would take care most generously of the concerns of the islanders by means of a statute that would be part of this same agreement and would be presented to the United Nations. What better guarantee than a statute that generously takes care of their interests and enjoys the protection of this international body? 282. However, all these references were ignored, because, we must conclude, the defence of this prin- ciple of self-determination is just a pretext to continue to stay in this territory where the United Kingdom has no business to be at the end of the twentieth century. It is an anachronistic relic of outmoded imperialism. 283. Instead of looking at things in their true light, 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic statement or a speech addressing a territorial dispute between two countries, the UK and another country (not specified). The language used is formal and diplomatic, with a focus on the principles of self-determination and the historical context of colonialism. The speaker seems to be criticizing the UK's position and suggesting a compromise solution.

**Category**
International trade, Politics