back to the first half of the last century, when some European Powers considered that their interests could be extended by deploying their fleets. In 1833, the Argentine authorities and people were expelled from the Malvinas Islands by force. With independence, the Argentine Republic had inherited possession of and sovereignty over the islands and peace had been maintained there until the British occupation. If there had been a Security Council at that time it would have demanded the withdrawal of the British forces. 156. The United Nations is not a mere bystander: it is an active protagonist in the decolonization pro- cess, which is not far from completion. As this is recent history, it is perhaps fitting to recall that that process certainly did not move forward through the goodwill and willing co-operation of the colonial Powers. The application of various labels to peoples and territories sub.ject to the domination of the colonial Powers does not change the substance of the problem. It is also fitting to recall that several colonial situations were ended by long and bloody wars of liberation. 157. Peru has been very active in this matter for essential and unalterable reasons: we support the Argentine Republic, a sister nation since indepen- dence, and we support its just claim to regain the exer- cise of sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands and the dependent archipelagos, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; we ardently desire a peaceful set- tlement which will be a credit to both countries in the conflict, prevent further bloodshed and put an end to a dispute between parties which have so much in common. 158. This is not a question of two nations disputing a territory over which sovereignty remains to be determined. It is clear to all that when Argentina 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing a historical and political issue between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the sovereignty of the Malvinas Islands, which is a territorial dispute. The text mentions international relations, colonialism, and decolonization, suggesting that the category should be related to international relations or politics.

**Category**
International relations, Politics