UN General Assembly
1973

12. At a time when we welcome international detente and look with great expectation for a durable world peace it is unfortunate that armed conflict and hostilities have broken out once again in the Middle East. The underlying cause of that tragic event is, we believe, the continued occupation of Arab territories by Israel and the failure to implement Security Council resolution 242 (1967), which formed the basis for a just settlement. It is, however, gratifying to note that the Security Council is mindful of its responsibility and its commitments towards international peace and security in general and the Middle East situation in particular. We sincerely hope that the Security Council will take all possible steps and effective measures for the restoration of peace in the region. My delegation also feels that it is necessary to recognize the legitimate rights of all the States in the region to their existence within recognized boundaries, in the interests of a just and durable peace.