improvement in international relations, particularly in their East/West context, but also brings with it positive implications world-wide. I think it is wrong to say that everything happened in 1989. Let us rather say that a trend which had been taking shape for some time was speeded up by the adoption of the universal values of pluralist democracy, freedom and human rights more or less everywhere. Nevertheless, the rate at which this change is occurring - however positive it may be - carries with it the risk of a loss of control if the countries involved in these changes do not take the necessary precautions and show the restraint which is required to keep the situation in hand or direct it in a way which guarantees the security, the integrity and the right of all countries. The confidence needed to consolidate this encouraging atmosphere can only be maintained if these conditions are met. Consequently, it is incumbent on all to pursue a policy which, despite the speed of change, has an eye to the longer term - a policy which allows time to consider carefully the future implications of decisions which might otherwise, in a headlong rush, be taken in too much haste or in a too short a perspective. Whatever replaces the last manifestations of the cold war cannot contain the seeds of new difficulties, either in Europe through an uncontrolled spiral taking no account of other people's interests, or in other regions of the world. We also run the risk of seeing the improvement in the climate lead to a lack of interest in arms control or disarmament. CD/PV.544 3 (Mr. Houllez, Belgium) It might be held that, with restored confidence, the world and public opinion are losing their awareness of the need to reduce arms. Yet arms are 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the current state of international relations and the need for countries to maintain control and restraint in order to ensure the security, integrity, and rights of all countries. It also touches on the importance of arms control and disarmament. These themes suggest that the text is more focused on international relations and global governance rather than specific economic, social, or environmental issues.

**Category**
International relations, Humanitarian aid and relief