on a number of occasions by the Israeli armed forces. One need only refer to paragraph 10 of the report to see this. It should be pointed out that, in the absence of an equitable and accepted settlement, the cease-fire is bound to remain precarious and unstable. 114. In this situation it is to be noted with great concern that, in spite of many resolutions of the Organization of 10 105. It should also be recalled that, in the search for a peaceful settlement of all the aspects of the situation in the Middle East, the United Nations, and in particular the Security Council, established a basis for a settlement of the conflict. I am referring, of course, to historic resolution 242 (1967), the operative part of which reads as follows: [The speaker read paragraphs I to 3 of resolution 242 (1967)./ 106. As the report of the Secretary-General indicates in paragraph 45 in particular, the parties to the conflict, with the exception of one State, accepted that resolution. It goes wjthout saying that the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces to the positions occupied before June 1967 constitutes a fundamental and preliminary step to any peaceful settle- ment in the Middle East. 107, The activities of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Jarring, as well as the meetings which were held on the question of the Middle East in 1971 by the representatives of the four major Powers permanent members of the Security Council-the United States, France, the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom-to agree on a joint interpretation of the reso- lution referred to and on a joint formulation of the general provisions for a settlement, found themselves at an impasse and perceived that it was impossible to reach any result at all. 108. The African States, members of the Organization of 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the situation in the Middle East, specifically the conflict between Israel and other parties, and the efforts of the United Nations to establish a peaceful settlement. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting that the text is a speech or report from a high-level official or organization. The text mentions specific resolutions and events, which further suggests that it is related to international relations and diplomacy.

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