oriented, as intended by the Charter, by virtue of its composition and its rules of procedure, and the General Assembly, whose delibemtive function is dominated by the principles of universality and equal voting rights. Any weakening of the Council endangers this balance and is therefore prejudicial to the effectiveness and credibility of the Organization, to the cost of all its Members. 173. At a time when the General Assembly is celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the Organization on a grand scale in the presence of a great many heads of State or Government, the Security Council, the primary organ for the maintenance of international peace and security, could not appear to be found wanting and thus risk confirming the deciine of its image on the international scene. 174. That is why France is particularly pleased that the Council should have decided to convene this commemora- tive meeting and to make its keynote the theme of the United Nations for a better world and the responsibility of the Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security. 175. I see this as an opportunity for all the members of the Council to set forth their views on what the Council can and should do the better to carry out its responsibili- ties. Reinvigorating the Council will, to my mind, be the best way of celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the Organization. Maintaining international peace and secu- rity is-need I repeat it-the first purpose of the United Nations, and the primary responsibility in this regard lies with the Security Council. 176. I shall not dwell on the manifestations and causes of the weaknesses of the Organization in the sphere of the maintenance of peace. They have been stated many times, particularly by the Secretary-General, who, since his first 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the role and effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council in maintaining international peace and security. It highlights the importance of the Council's balanced composition and functioning, and the need for its members to work together to achieve this goal. The text also touches on the theme of the United Nations' 40th anniversary and the Council's responsibility in this regard.

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