96. It is our consistent’belief that the Palestinian issue is thecrux of the Middle East problem, having a direct bear- ing on peace and stability in the Middle East region. The key factors to the solution of the Middle East question are that the national rights of the Palestinian people must be restored and that Israel must withdraw from all the Arab territories it has occupied since 1967, including Arab Jerus- alem. This is the only basis on which a comprehensive, just and durable peace can be achieved in the Middle Past. The Security Council should make further efforts towards this goal. 97. Mr. RABETAFIKA (Madagascar) (interpretation from French): I do not necessarily wish to surrender to a tradition that could. easily become a mere ritual, but I wish in all sincerity and simplicity to say how happy my delega- tion is, Sir, that you have assumed the presidency of the Council for the month of September. It is said that history is strewn with imponderables. If a century ago your Government had not shown such a predilection for the spices of Zanzibar, I should perhaps have been able to address you today in the language of Shakespeare. How- ever that may be, and without wishing to harm the excel- lent past and present relations between our two peoples and Governments, I would ask you to allow me to make my observations and to express our best wishes to ‘you in the language of Comeille and Racine. 98. Mr. Oleg Alexandrovich Troyanovsky, the represen- tative of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, we express our gratitude for the equanimity, objectivity and method with which he discharged his functions aS Presi- dent of the Council last month. We found in him a very. attentive listener to our ,aspirations and concerns-always 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic statement discussing the Palestinian issue and its relation to the Middle East peace and stability. It mentions the national rights of the Palestinian people and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories. The tone is formal and diplomatic, suggesting that the text is likely from a United Nations meeting or statement. Given the focus on international relations and political issues, it is likely that the text is related to one of the categories that deals with global politics or international relations.

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