UN General Assembly
1969

lie in repudiation of the policy of blocs and in a determined effort to attain mutual understanding. 77. However, it is especially in the Middle East that the establishment of a just and lasting peace, taking account of the legitimate interests of all parties, would appear beyond our reach if we were not determined to overcome our fears and despondency. 78. France’s policy there, as elsewhere, is based on the principles that my predecessors have already affirmed from this rostrum: the right of peoples to self-determination; respect for international law; balance of power; and maintenance or restoration of peace. The strict application of these principles is the only way to end the rapid worsening of the situation in the area. 79. Nearly two years have elapsed since the adoption of Security Council resolution 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967, which is our law. 80. My Government, having learnt from events that only through concerted international action can a satisfactory solution be formulated and implemented, proposed last January that the four permanent members of the Security