conscious of the comments you made and have no wish to prolong the session this morning. Let me just make two very brief points. I feel it incumbent on my delegation to make clear that we make no apology regarding the presence of United States forces on the Korean peninsula. On the contrary, the United States believes, as was made clear in a statement by Secretary Cheney quoted here this morning, that the Korean peninsula is a potentially dangerous place. We are convinced that the presence of United States forces and our defence co-operation with the Republic of Korea have lessened the risk of war and contributed to stability. CD/PV.554 39 (Mr. Breckon. United States ) I would also like to say that we take issue with comments that disparage proposals for steps that could begin to build confidence and reduce tension in that region, and we would urge that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea take another look at what is happening in the rest of the world and decide that the time has come to find practical ways to reduce a situation of military confrontation that is strikingly out of tune with the times. The PRESIDENT : I thank the representative of the United States of America for his statement. If there are no other speakers, I should now like to put before you for consideration the timetable for meetings to be held by the Conference and its subsidiary bodies during the first week of the second part of its annual session. As usual, the timetable has been prepared in consultation with the chairmen of the ad hoc committees. If I see no objection, I shall take it that the Conference adopts the timetable. it wag so decided.
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a statement made by a representative of the United States at a United Nations conference, discussing the presence of US forces on the Korean peninsula and the need to reduce tension in the region. The language used is diplomatic and formal, indicating a focus on international relations and security.

**Category**
International relations, Defense