The UN Security Council has the primary responsibility, under the Charter, to maintain international peace and security. When a complaint concerning a threat to peace is brought before it, the Council's usual first action is to recommend to the parties to try to reach agreement by peaceful means. When a dispute leads to fighting, the Council's first concern is to bring it to an end as soon as possible. It has sent United Nations peace-keeping forces to help reduce tensions in troubled areas, keep opposing forces apart, and create conditions of calm in peaceful settlements. The Council may decide on enforcement measures, economic sanctions (such as trade embargoes), or collective military action.