substantive discussions on space issues to a time very near the end of this A/C.l/40/PV.ll 63 (Mr. Franceschi, Italy) decade. Consensus would anyhow be the necessary prerequisite for such a complex endeavour to prove fruitful to this end. Altogether, we feel that the approach to the question of the prevention of an arms race in outer space followed so far by the General Assembly remains the most thoughtful and constructive one. The General Assembly has endeavoured over the past years progressively to enlarge the area of consensus on a single text intended to cover and harmonize the positions of all Member States. This result has not yet been completely achieved and setbacks are always possible. We think that this Committee should pursue the line followed so far, bearing in mind how delicate the balance to be achieved on this issue really is. As in the past, we stand ready, for our part, to make a constructive contribution to this effort, in the light also of the positive effects it would have on the work of the Ad Hoc Committee in Geneva. The Geneva Conference is entrusted with the negotiation of a comprehensive ban on the production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons, which, in our view, is one of the most important and urgent goals to be pursued through the disarmament process. We appreciate the limited progress made this year by the Conference on this question. However, we deeply regret that no parallel progress was made on the substantive issues which have so far proved the main obstacles to an agreement. Indeed, it is high time for the Conference to tackle these issues with the seriousness, the determination and the contructive approach they require. It is no ' exaggeration to say that the credibility of the Conference on Disarmament as a negotiating forum is to a large extent at stake in this endeavour. 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing international relations and diplomacy, specifically in the context of the United Nations. It mentions the General Assembly, the Ad Hoc Committee, and the Conference on Disarmament, indicating a focus on international organizations and agreements. The topic of arms control and disarmament is also prominent, suggesting that the text falls under the category of security and defense.

**Category**
Security and Defense, International Relations