UN General Assembly
1969

It casts its shadow over the world scene as a whole. At the same time, all the crises and conflicts which we discussed here a year ago—manifestations of the use of force and violence in relations between nations—continue to frustrate our efforts to improve international relations. 182. Yet we can also note encouraging features in the developments of the past twelve months. In Viet-Nam, though the violence and destruction continue, the trend at least has been reversed, The bombing of North Viet-Nam has been stopped, the level of fighting in South Viet-Nam appears to nave been somewhat reduced and talks between the principal parties to the conflict are in progress. 183. In the Middle East, while violent action has increased between Israel and its Arab neighbours, the joint effort of the four leading Powers, permanent members of the Security Council, to seek a peaceful solution of the conflict, strengthens our confidence in their willingness to co-operate, in accordance with their special responsibilities under the Charter, to prevent any danger to international