preparatory committee or elaborated upon after the convention enters into force. My delegation is afraid that an over-technical approach involving the creation of too many study groups will confirm the risk of concentrating too much time and effort on non-essential aspects. We must also bear in mind that the prime aim of our negotiations is to produce a convention laying down a complete and universal ban on chemical weapons once and for all. This objective has a vertical dimension, namely, the destruction of all chemical weapon stocks belonging to a given State, and the destruction of its CW production facilities, and also a horizontal dimension, namely, the universal nature of the effective, complete and verifiable renunciation of chemical weapons. Belgium believes that we should be able to expect that both dimensions of this objective will be achieved. For Belgium it is essential for States to state unequivocally their commitment to renounce chemical weapons completely within the context of the future treaty which will provide the legal framework for this commitment. We have always been aware that this treaty would achieve its objective in all its dimensions only if the international community, by acceding to it in large numbers, demonstrates its joint resolve to prove that nothing can any longer justify the maintenance of the CW option. The final aim of our work is not so much to conclude a treaty as to provide ourselves with an effective legal instrument which has every chance of leading us towards the effective, complete and verifiable renunciation of chemical weapons. To achieve this aim, three crucial stages have to be traversed successfully: the conclusion of the treaty, its opening for signature and ratification by all States, which will be the gauge of its universality, and the expiry of the transitional 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing a diplomatic agreement or treaty related to the banning of chemical weapons. The language used is formal and diplomatic, indicating that it is a speech or statement made by a government representative. The content focuses on the objectives and goals of the treaty, the importance of universality and verification, and the need for a complete and effective ban.

**Category**
International trade, Health