Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolu- tion before it [ibid.]. Unless I hear. an objection, I shall put it to the vote now. 171. I shall first call on those members of the Council who wish to make statements ,before the voting. 15 _ 172. Mr. LOIJET (France) (hrerprerarioe from .French): I wish to convey to you, Sir, the congratulations and encour- agement of the French delegation on your assumption of the presidency. We are happy that in September the Secu- rity Council will be able to benefit from your experience and skills. 173. I would ask you to be good enough to express our thanks also to the representative of the Soviet Union for the remarkable way in which he carried out his task during August, a month in which he presided over the Council with authority and courtesy. 174. My Government has observed with great concern the new rise of tension in the West Bank and Gaza, which has led the administration of the occupying Power to revive special legislation dating from the time of the Man- date. One can only deplore the constraints which that legis- lation imposes on the civilian population of the occupied territories. Nevertheless, we must remain aware that only a cessation of the escalation of violence, from whatever source, will make it possible to restore the climate of conti- dence that is ‘indispensable to dialogue. -. 175. You are aware of the particular interest that my Government has always taken in the situation of the peo- ples of these territories, both with regard to the protection of the persons and to the preservation of resources and respect for the structures of local representation. It is in that spirit that my country has always been committed to the defence of the legitimate rights of the peoples of the 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing a situation in the Middle East, specifically the West Bank and Gaza, and the actions of the occupying power. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting that it may be a statement made by a representative of a country or organization. The content of the statement focuses on the situation of the people in the occupied territories, including their rights and the need for a cessation of violence.

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