endeavours for dialogue and co-operation between peoples and States, and to increase its broad-ranging efforts to create a world coalition of common sense and realism. A proposal of far-reaching importance entitled "International co-operation in the peaceful exploitation of outer space under conditions of its non-militarization" has been included in the agenda of the fortieth session of the United Nations General Assembly. Implementation of that proposal would in essence free peoples from the acute threat to peace and security arising from a spread of the arms race to outer space. The "star wars" project -known under the misleading term of the so-called strategic defence initiative- is being watched with growing concern by the international community. The recent test of the United States anti-satellite weapon (ASAT) and the formation of the United Space Command (SPACE<XM) of the United States armed forces in Colorado Springs are by far more than just theory and research. Those activities are rightly regarded as concrete steps to extend the arms race into space. BG/11 A/C.l/40/PV. 4 43 (Mr. Ott, German Democratic Republic) The "star wars" plan has now been countered with an entirely different concept -the "star peace" plan, a peaceful outer space for the benefit and security of all peoples. Thus, a chance has been offered for a new dimension of world-wide co-operation of a new quality which could be of truly historic significance. The German Democratic Republic, a State which within the framework of the INTERKOSMOS programme has for decades participated actively in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space, which included the participation of a cosmonaut from my country in a joint space flight with the Soviet Union, fully supports this highly topical Soviet move. A constructive and unambiguous answer is given to the clear-cut question facing the peoples and their Governments today. Will outer 
**Analysis**
The text discusses international cooperation, the threat of militarization of outer space, and the proposal for a peaceful and cooperative use of space. It seems to be focused on the scientific and technological aspects of space exploration, as well as the potential implications for global security and cooperation.

**Category**
Science and technology, International trade