The time has come to take a clear-cut political decision that would prevent the militarization of outer space and leave it free for peaceful co-operation. As is noted in this connection by the General secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the USSR, Mikhail Gorbachev: "Now roore than ever we need a far-sighted policy b'ased on an understanding of the realities and the dangers that we would inevitably confront tomorrow if today those who can and must take the only correct decisions evade their responsibility". The urgency of a solution to this task is obvious. It is dictated by the fact that the United States is now fully engaged in carrying out a large-scale, multi-billion dollar programme which was correctly dubbed "star wars". JVM/8 A/C.l/40/PV.S 24-25 (Mr. Kravets, Ukrainian SSR) The authors of the so-called strategic defence initiative tried to present the deployment of strike weapons in space as a way towards achieving a lasting peace, leaving allegations as to the effectiveness and impenetrable nature of a "space shield" on the conscience of its apologists. we would only like to say that there was a time when the atomic bomb was advertised as the "weapon of eternal peace" History convincingly shows that attempts to strengthen peace through the creation of new types of weaponry inevitably led to an escalation in the arms race and a greater military threat. BG/8 A/C.l/40/PV.B 26 {Mr. Kravets, Ukrainian SSR) The problem of international security is a political one -and it must be settled by political means, by the concerted efforts of all States. No matter what is being said about the objectives of the strategic defence initiative, the fact is its implementation would lead to the appearance in space of new and extremely dangerous types of weapons. The arms race would acquire in many 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing a pressing global issue related to the militarization of outer space and the potential consequences of the "Star Wars" program. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting that it may be a speech or statement from a government or international organization. The text emphasizes the need for a political solution to prevent the arms race from escalating and the importance of international cooperation.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology