In the United Nations for nearly 14 years the General Assembly was the major forum for the dispute. In turn, the Assembly urged the OAU to act as the principal intermediary in seeking a solution. When the parties became more amenable to a peaceful settlement, the Secretary-General’s role, in cooperation with the OAU, became paramount. He personally engaged in extensive negotiations leading to the acceptance of a peace plan. Since major power support for a settlement is desirable, the late involvement of the Security Council is important in securing a successful outcome. A further UN contribution to the process is the use of a special representative assisted by a team of impartial UN observers. The flexibility of the entire process and cooperation between the UN and the OAU are factors facilitating the eventual settlement of a long and bitter dispute.